Matt Levins- The Hawk Eye
Liam Haeger has come a long way in four years as cross country runner for Notre Dame-West Burlington.
So much so that he could be the poster boys for hard work and endurance.
Haeger, a quiet, shy person by nature, has let his running do his talking this season.
The senior at Notre Dame High School, has been simply sensational day in and day out.
Haeger played a key role in helping the Nikes qualify for the Class 2A state meet for the first time in program history.
Haeger finished 16th at a Class 2A state qualifying meet last week at Kickers Soccer Park in Iowa City. He helped the Nikes finish second in the team race to qualify for state, which was Friday afternoon at Lakeside Municipal Golf Course in Fort Dodge.
Haeger earned all-conference accolades, finishing 13th at the SEI Super Conference meet at Hillcrest Academy.
With sophomores Cavin Denney and Matthew Oleson leading the way, Haeger and fellow senior Prior Bowen have been solid third and fourth runners for the Nikes.
The Hawk Eye recently caught up with Haeger, the High School Athlete of the Week, to learn a little more about him.
What is your favorite sport besides cross country?
Trap shooting.
Something I learned from a coach that I will never forget is …
Have faith in your team and yourself, because I always worry before sports.
My favorite moment in cross country was ...
Qualifying at districts.
My most embarrassing moment in cross country was ...
Making the team run suicides across five tennis courts when I cut the long run short last year.
A role model that has had the most influence on me is ...
Sage Eggar, who was a senior in cross country when I was a freshman. I learned to dream bigger and run smarter from him.
Something on my bucket list is ...
I would like to read the bible in Hebrew, but I suppose that’s a touch ambitious.
My favorite meal is ...
My dad’s guacamole.
If I won the lottery, my first purchase would be ...
My first year at college? Or maybe some stocks.
My biggest pet peeve is…
Bad quality books. Shout out to Burlington by the Book for never letting me down in that regard.
In my free time I enjoy ...
Reading.
My favorite motivational slogan or quote is ...
Do better.
Which teacher has had the biggest influence on you and why?
Most of the feats I am most proud of in high school are founded in the first class I took with Mrs. Miller: Journalism.
What is special about your high school?
Its spirit, and individual care for each student.
In 25 years, I will be…
Happy, that’s all I really care about.
Something about myself that would surprise people is ...
I play roughly 3 instruments: violin, piano, and drum set.