Compiled by Brian Kalish
October 25, 2012
Stevens Point– The CWS Spotlight turned the high beam toward SPASH senior Michael Larson. Larson is a key member of the SPASH cross country team, which will be competing at state Saturday morning at the Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids.
CWS: What are some of the classes you’re taking at SPASH this year?
Larson: I’m taking an AP writing class, video productions II, business law, speech, physics, pre-calculus and economics.
CWS: What are your plans for your post-SPASH life?
Larson: I’m not sure yet where I want to go, but I definitely want to run and I want to go into law enforcement.
CWS: What is the most exciting sports contest you have ever been a part of?
Larson: Definitely the Valley Conference meet last year for cross country. It was the most heated battle between SPASH and DC Everest in team history. We only won by two points. There was just so much tension between our teams.
CWS: What is something about you that people might not know or that might surprise people about you?
Larson: I like shopping. People don’t know about that.
CWS: What’s it like to be a part of this dynasty that SPASH cross country has become?
Larson: It feels pretty good, being able to carry on those traditions. It’s like being part of a big family. It’s kind of hard to explain unless you’re a part of it. We share our traditions and successes.
CWS: Who is someone in your life who has inspired you? How has this person inspired you?
Larson: One of the biggest inspirations in my life is (former SPASH cross country star) Chris Solinsky. I’ve always hoped to be as good as him. That’s kept me going. I’ve been able to accomplish some of the same things that he has done—three conference titles individually, three sectional titles… I haven’t won state yet. He’s had a really big impact on my running career.
CWS: What is the best thing about being a student athlete at SPASH?
Larson: Just the tradition that SPASH has—it’s an athletic powerhouse. We have a lot of pride because our teams are usually on all-academic state teams. We were on there the past three years in cross country. It’s pretty humbling to say you’re on one of the best teams in the state athletically and academically.
CWS: Finally, pancakes or waffles?
Larson: Waffles. They’re more crispy.
