Owasso junior Dane Janowski has been running cross country since the seventh grade.

He wanted to get in better shape for soccer season. In his own words, he hated running.

“The summer between seventh and eighth grade, I did Owasso Striders, which is our summer running camp,” Janowski said. “During Striders, I was exposed to the aspect of the high school team and coach [Blake] Collins’ ideas and was hooked.

“I loved the team aspect of running, and I loved that I was able to put my competitive nature into practice each and every day.”

Janowski joined the track team this season for the first time following Owasso’s second consecutive state runner-up cross country season and All-State selection.

“My goals for this track season is to make the podium at state in the 4×8, 800, 1600 and the 4×4,” Janowski said. “My greatest adjustment from running cross country to track is the increase in track workouts and the decrease of mileage.”

Janowski also plays disc golf and often rock climbs with friends “to relieve stress and have fun.”

“I enjoy rock climbing, especially, because it challenges you mentally and physically,” Janowski said.

Janowski plans to run in college, but he is undecided on where he wants to attend. He plans to study exercise science.