IRMO -- Dutch Fork's Roland Hakes set a personal record of 15:24 at the SCTCCCA Coaches Classic, a performance that earned him the honor of being named scrunners.com Runner of the Week, presented by Go-Green Timing and On On Tri.
Roland, a senior on the Foxes' varsity boys cross country team, finished first in the International Boys 5,000-meter run held at the Sandhills Research Center in Columbia.
The Foxes finished fourth in the event.
Hakes was last year's state champion in the 3200, and this season he has already trimmed 10 seconds off his personal record in the 5000-meter.
"I hope I can run for the rest of my life," the Dutch Fork team captain said. "I enjoy the challenge that cross country brings."
His coach, Barry Lindler, said Roland has steadily improved in cross country since he began coaching him as a freshman.
"He was running in the mid 18's when we started," Lindler said. "That year, we got him down to a 17:10. His sophomore year, we got him to a 16:10. Last year, he was state champion with a 15:34, and this year he has run a 15:24."
Lindler said Hakes enjoys a challenge and has shown strong leadership heading into his final year at Dutch Fork.
"As a team captain this year, he has worked to help pull the guys together. He puts his team first, as evidenced in track season when he decided to run in both the 1600 and 3200, knowing it would hurt his chances for a repeat state championship in the 32, but knew he could earn more points for the guys," Lindler said.
Hakes, who also enjoys tennis and fishing, started running at the suggestion of a neighbor when he was in the eighth grade.
"Running can help you see a place from an entirely different angle," he said. "Running in new and exotic places is always an adventure, and I figure the best way to see a place is by foot."
Hakes said he hasn't decided whether to continue running competitively once he graduates from high school, even though he enjoys the camaraderie cross country brings.
"I just love being out here with so many kids coming from all types of backgrounds and all walks of life," he said. "It really is a humbling experience."
