By Ryan Deal

605 Sports

Larson had a different game plan this season to earn the second straight state championship, but it still worked in her favor. 

“I went out pretty fast last year and I couldn’t maintain the entire race,” Larson said. “But I was just so far ahead that I could finish. But I knew I couldn’t do that this year. So my goal was just to relax for the first mile. Once I hit mile two, just go, get up those hills, down those hills, and sprint it out.” 

Once she pulled away from Boekelheide, Larson could sense the championship down the stretch and coasted in for the win. 

“I knew I had this last kick in me and I knew I wasn’t backing down for anything,” Larson said. “So this whole race honestly I was just counting my blessings, thanking God the whole time.” 

It was also another state championship Larson, who is also an outstanding track and field athlete. 

“I just love running so much and the feeling it gives me,” Larson said. “I thank my parents and Miss Eppard for giving me the opportunity they gave me because I couldn't do it without them and God.”