Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Shane Ketchum, Box Elder Track

Following his older brother's lead, Shane Ketchum has become one of the top distance runners in Class C

For Shane Ketchum, playing sports is a part of life. He has played football and basketball at the varsity level for the Box Elder Bears and while he loves those sports — he loves running just as much, maybe even more. That’s because being a runner isn’t just something he does, it’s who he is and something that runs in the family.

Not everyone is made to be a runner. In fact, most of us probably aren’t. It’s a grueling sport that takes time, effort, patience, resilience and mental fortitude. Yet, Shane Ketchum loves it in large part because he was taught too by his brother William Ketchum, who was a standout distance runner for the Bears before graduating in 2014.

For two years, William Ketchum and Shane Ketchum were part of the same team and in that time, they were able to share some incredible experiences. One such experience came last year at the 2014 Class C state track meet, where William and Shane both qualified for 3,200 meter run. William wound up on the medal stand after a third-place finish, while Shane fell just short getting tenth. But regardless, it was a great learning experience for the younger Ketchum and one he will never forget.

“That was really cool for us to get to run together at state,” Shane Ketchum said. “My brother taught me so much about running. He taught me everything really, how to run, how to train. He’s part of the reason why I kind of fell in love with it.”

And while Shane Ketchum was unable to find the podium at last year’s state meet, he is determined to do so this year. So far, he looks like a good bet to reach his goal as he has been dominant on the track this season, winning just about every 1,600 and 3,200 run he’s entered. He also has run the 400, 800 and the long relay this season for the Bears.

Many high school athletes dream of winning a state championship in football or basketball, but for Ketchum, who was part of the Bears’ 2014 boys basketball state championship team, his goal right now is to make a name for himself as a runner, at the state meet, just like his brother.

Kethcum, who is in the midst of his junior season for the Bears, will look to get his journey toward the podium at state started today as he competes in the District 9C track meet, before hopefully advancing to the Northern C divisionals and the 2015 Class C state meet, which will be in Laurel May 22-23.

Yet, before Ketchum competes in the 9C meet today at the Havre Middle School Track, the Havre Daily News caught up with the standout distance runner for five questions.

HDN: How did you get into distance running?

Ketchum: “I got into track because of my brother, Will. He would go running all the time and I would go with him. And I just wanted to do what he did, which is win races. He trained me to the point where I was able to start doing that.”

HDN: What is the key to your success as a runner?

Ketchum: “It takes a lot of training. My brother and my coaches have taught me how to run and how to train but it still takes running quite a bit on my own time. Even during football and basketball season, I have to run to keep myself in shape. I run about 25-30 miles a week during football and basketball and probably close to 40 miles a week during track.”

HDN: Sounds like you run a lot, so it must be something you enjoy. What do you like about it?

Ketchum: “It just makes me feel good. I know I am staying in good shape and when I’m done it just makes me feel good about life.”

HDN: What does it feel like when you are kicking it in and running that final stretch to the finish line?

Ketchum: “My body just kind of starts to go dead. My legs get all heavy and I can barely feel anything but the feeling is all worth it when you win the race at the end.”

HDN: So what is your goal for this season?

Ketchum: “I want to try and keep up with Jacob Iverson from Winnett Grass Range, who is the only person who has beaten me this year. But my main goal is just to place at state this year and then I will have another year where I can try to get even better.”