Prairie Track & Field Podcast

It took us all of 2022 to get her on the podcast, but we finally interviewed distance phenom Cailee Peterson! From her humble beginnings in Mayville, ND, Cailee has exploded onto the scene as one of the top distance runners in North Dakota state history. After a grad transfer to Minnesota-Duluth for her 6th year of eligibility, she continues to write her story. We covered how she started, her favorite memories and races at SDSU, and what she looks to accomplish at Duluth.

All good things must come to an end, and the 2022 cross country season is no different. To wrap up it up, we each chose our 3 Stars for the 2022 season. A star could be an athlete, a team, a storyline, or anything else significant and impressive that occurred during the season. We had a lot of fun playing the game, and we want you to play along, too! Share in the comments who your three stars of the cross country season are! Choose your first, second, and third stars, with the first star being your top performer, third star your third-best. Bonus: share your three stars in a 5-star review on Apple Podcast or Spotify!

After a near flawless 2022 season, Jaelyn Ogle won the Class A Girls’ XC Championship meet on October 22nd in dominating fashion. Today the Watford City senior committed to Mississippi State University to run collegiately with her older sister, Hayley. Last week Jaelyn hopped on the podcast to share what it took to win her first state title, how she bounced back from a tough WDA meet right before the state meet, and how she’ll spend her winter preparing for track season. If you enjoyed this episode, go back and listen to Pt. 1 of our Individual State Champs episode with our other ND cross country individual champions!

It’s been two weeks since the North Dakota high school cross country season finished, but we are still fired up about it! We assembled our individual state champions on this episode to talk about the making of a state champion and everything behind the scenes that went into their victory. Brynn Hanson, Brady Korsmo, and Austin Wanner shared great insight into their season, and we’re excited that you’ll have the opportunity to hear their stories. (Jaelyn Ogle was not able to make the Zoom call, but fear not. We’re in the works to record an episode with her, too.)

It's here! The final week of North Dakota's high school cross country season is upon us. Cam and Ryan break down the Class A and B races, who to watch, and some of the storylines to pay attention to heading into the race. Plus get an update on UND and NDSU's performances at the Bradley Pink Classic on October 15th.

Two weeks ago, one of the biggest weekends of the cross country season took place. On Friday, September 23rd, several schools from the Fargo metro ran at the prestigious Roy Griak Invite. The next day, the Inaugural Border Battle took place in Grand Forks, where over 1,000 athletes from North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Manitoba went head-to-head. While plenty of racing has taken place between then and now, we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to recap such an exciting, especially when we had the opportunity to record in-person. Lots of banter, jokes, and exciting commentary in this episode. Give it a listen! Then get ready for our EDC/WDA/West Region Championship updates coming later this week!

Can you believe the cross country season is halfway done? In any professional sport, we’d be coming up on the all-star break; instead, we approach the Border Battle this weekend. As we near the end of September, we wanted to provide you with a mid-season report. At the high school level, team races are looking tight in Class A, new athletes are at the top of the individual polls, and schools are looking to make a strong final push as we approach championship season. On the college scene, we talk about the MSUM Twilight, how UND has approached their first two meets, and what we’re looking forward to the rest of the collegiate season. We discuss all these things plus important info regarding the Border Battle weekend on this episode!

A few weeks ago, Cam and I had the opportunity to sit down with Erin Teschuk, a Team Canada and New Balance athlete who was a teammate of ours at NDSU. We interviewed her right after the NACAC Championships in the Bahamas, where she wore the Team Canada uniform and placed 5th in the 1500. She had a tremendous 2022 season, competing in the steeplechase early before shifting her focus to the 1500. Erin’s had an awesome running career, earning multiple All-American finishes at NDSU to competing at the 2016 Rio Olympics. We’ve really enjoyed cheering for Erin Teschuk and we think you’ll be a fan, too, after listening to this interview.

With the collegiate cross country season now underway, we wanted to record a preview episode for North Dakota’s eight colleges and universities with cross programs. Last weekend, UND and NDSU opened their seasons in Grand Forks, and Minot State kicked their season off at the Augustana Twilight meet. But it’s tomorrow, Friday September 9th, that’s going to be a HUGE day for the North Dakota cross country scene. Every North Dakota college and university will be racing at the MSUM Dragon Twilight Meet in Moorhead, Minnesota. Even cooler? Bismarck State College will be making their program debut. The Mystics just started their cross country and track and field programs this year, so it will be a historic meet for that reason, too. If you want to watch, that meet will be taking place tomorrow, Friday September 9th, at the Bluestem Arts Center in Moorhead, Minnesota. The high school JV races will start at 5:20 p.m., the high school varsity races will start at 6:40 p.m., and the collegiate races will start at 8 p.m. Steel Gray Singlet Order Form: https://forms.gle/jm1MrzKHuJvpoNgi9

It’s that time of the year again! The North Dakota high school cross country season kicked off just a couple of weeks ago, and today is the first day of the racing season. Before the season gets going, however, Cam and I wanted to bring you the 2022 Cross Country preview, an episode dedicated to this season of XC. We break down the preseason coaches' poll, tell you which teams you need to watch, athletes we’ve got our eyes on, and who will be bringing home the titles at the state meet at Jamestown in October.

After 50 years, the nation’s largest cross country meet, the Milaca Mega Meet, has come to an end. Enter The Border Battle, a new cross country meet hosted in Grand Forks that will take the Mega Meet's place. We sit down with Sean Allan, head coach at Grand Forks Central, to discuss the new meet, what athletes, coaches, and fans can expect, and why you need to compete there this fall!

Shelby Frank is establishing herself as one of the best throwers in North Dakota history, and she's only a sophomore. In a monster season in which she set the University of Minnesota discus school record, finished runner-up at the Big 10 Championships, and was named a First-Team All-American, Shelby isn't finished yet. This weekend she will take on the country's best at the USATF 2022 Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Listen to Shelby share her journey to the upper echelon of track and field.

In our second State Meet Spotlight, Ryan and Cam sit down with Grand Forks Central's Carter Elde. Elde, who won both the 110H and 300H, shares about what it means to win a title for Central, how he found the hurdles after he thought he was a distance runner, and what he looks forward to at North Dakota State, where he will continue his track career. Plus we take a deep dive into the art of hurdling!

Over the next few weeks, Cam and I will be interviewing some of our state champions to get a behind-the-scenes look into what it takes to win a state title. We decided to start off with none other than Hazen’s Ian Busche. At the state meet, Ian won four titles, including the 800, 1600, 3200, and 4x400 relay. Ian last joined the podcast after he won the state cross country meet in October of 2021, so we also catch up on his college commitment he's since made to the University of North Dakota.

The 2022 North Dakota State Track & Field Meet will be one to remember! In its first year as a three day meet, the state meet watched 4 overall records and 2 Class B state records fall. Cam & Ryan break down some of the top performances from each class and just how staggering these new records are. Plus listen for some bold predictions for the 2023 track season!

The 2022 State Meet is here! Cam & Ryan break down the state meet, including each gender and each class. They'll also inform you on which athletes to watch, events that you won't want to miss, and their predictions of which teams will be bringing home hardware. Plus learn about the guys' portrait project on Friday at the state meet!

Hannah Arason heads into this weekend's NCAA Division II Championships ranked 6th in the heptathlon. Arason, who won the heptathlon at the NSIC Championships, shares about her path from the University of Minnesota to St. Cloud State, the highs and lows of the multi events, and why she's ready to become an All-American.

Cody Roder had himself a weekend at the Summit League Championships! The senior placed third in the 400 meter dash in a new NDSU school record time of 46.22 seconds and anchored the 4x400 meter relay to a title and new school record as well. Cam, Ryan, and guest host Landon Jochim, who held the NDSU 400 meter record previously, ask Cody about his performances and what lies ahead heading into the upcoming West Prelims.

With some of the season's most prestigious meets taking place back-to-back weekends, you are due for an update! Ryan provides an inside scoop of the Drake Relays, while Cam gives a recap of the Howard Wood Dakota Relays. Plus listen and find out why you need to participate in or spectate the See Dick Run Mile Extravaganza on June 4th!

Brady Yoder is only the third high schooler in North Dakota history to go sub-9 minutes in the 3200m. Now he's found his way onto all-time fastest mile list with a converted time of 4:05.92, good for 8th-fastest ever in North Dakota history. We got to catch up with Brady, hear about his freshman campaign at Purdue, and find out what's next for the Dickinson, ND native.

Matt Bye thought his track career was over when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Upon graduation from Concordia College, he enrolled in grad school at the University of Milwaukee. It didn't take long for Matt to get the competitive edge back, call up the Milwaukee coach, and take advantage of the NCAA's "COVID year" of extra eligibility. Listen to Matt describe his jump from Division 1 to Division 3 and everything he's learned along the way.

D'Andra Morris doesn't do anything small. From big jumps to bigger dreams, listen to D'Andra share her story and what she has left to accomplish in the sport. Also listen to the NCAA Championships recap and the top-performing North Dakota natives at the championships.

Everything that you need to know about conference championships in one episode! Listen to Ryan give a run-down of the NSIC and Summit League Championships, top-performing North Dakota natives, and who is heading to NCAAs. UND head coach Jim Vahrenkamp joins the show and gives his indoor recap, and Alex Talley hops in on the fun and breaks down his first Big 10 Championships meet & his preview to the NCAA Championships. All this and more on Episod3 47!

It's conference week! That means we're bringing you an inside scoop from North Dakota universities competing this weekend. We chat with U-Mary head coach Cale Korbelik to detail the NSIC Championships and Stevie Keller to break down the Summit League Championships. Both coaches highlight athletes to watch and what it's going to take to bring home the hardware.

Three UND women's weight throwers will be pulling off an unprecedented double by competing at the Summit League Championships and the US Indoor Championships in back-to-back days. It doesn't seem that crazy until you realize they are 1,203 miles apart! Guest host Nate Peterson and Ryan break this down along with the newly released ND high school state meet schedule and more!

If you love track and field as much as we do, the last couple of weeks have been awesome! We get you caught up on NDSU's Bison Open, the Valley City State vs. University of Jamestown Dual, and even a look at the races and events that have already taken place this weekend. Throw in some great stories and this is an episode you'll want to listen to!

North Dakota athletes and teams have been tearing it up this indoor season. On this episode, Cam & Ryan break down some of the most notable performances from North Dakota natives and North Dakota's colleges & universities. Plus an interview with Jacob Rodin on his recent 800m NDSU school record.

Heather (Zander) Barry is a legend of North Dakota track and field. She won 10 North Dakota state high school titles before going on to a decorated career at North Dakota State University. Heather shares her experiences of being the one to beat in high school & having that so-called “target” on your back, transitioning to the multi and learning new events, and the laser-like focus that she competed with, which her coach called the “Zander-Zone." These stories and so many more on LEGENDS Ep. 3.

On the second episode of LEGENDS, Cam & Ryan catch up, reminisce, and laugh with their college coach, Don Larson. Larson guided his NDSU men's track and cross country teams to 54 conference titles while coaching numerous All-Americans and national champions in the process. Hear Lars' tales, favorite coaching stories, and what really makes a true legend.

On the premiere of LEGENDS, Cam & Ryan sit down with North Dakota all-time great Corey Ihmels. Currently the head coach of Boise State's track and field & cross country programs, Corey dominated in high school, including a 1991 win at the prestigious Footlocker National XC Championships. With so many great stories, you'll be sure to be inspired after listening to this episode!

All good things must come to an end, and Season 3 of the Prairie Track and Field podcast is no different. Listen to Cam & Ryan wrap up the 2021 cross country season with final recaps of NXR & collegiate conference, regional, and national races. Also learn about the first round of early signings and where some of the state's top high schoolers will be taking their talents next fall.

We promised to get Class B girl's cross country champion Brynn Hanson on the podcast and we delivered. Cam & Ryan sit down with the 8th-grader from Des Lacs-Burlington to chat about being a state champion, how she's transitioning to hockey season, and what her future running goals are. Plus we recap NSIC & Summit League conference meets, give a few shoutouts to other North Dakota natives, and look ahead to the NSAA and GPAC conference meets.

Imagine winning an individual state title and celebrating by drinking a DIET root beer! That's exactly what West Fargo Sheyenne's Aiden Johnson did, but did Eleni Lovgren and Williston's celebration top that? And does anyone have a better off-season training regimen than Class B champ Ian Busche? Those answers and so many more on Episode 37 of the Prairie Track and Field Podcast!

It's our favorite time of the year: championship season! Listen to Cam, Ryan, and guest host Nate Peterson break down all four championship races, predict individual and team winners, and make some interesting prop bets along the way!

The post-season is what every athlete lives for, and it's finally back! Three of North Dakota's four region meets took place this past weekend, and each of them deserves a recap. Cam & Ryan break down each conference & region meet and highlight our individual champions. Plus listen to Cam rant about just how hard it is to find meet results.

Thank goodness for the last minute, without it we would never get anything done. Last weekend was BIG for North Dakota cross country for both good and bad reasons. Cam & Ryan dissect the Griak meet, a Williston-Bismarck Century tie breaker, and more. But later than never, right?

The "biggest small town in North Dakota." That beauty of a quote is from new University of Jamestown head track and field coach Andrew Raske. Cam & Ryan got a chance to sit down with Raske and ask him about his background, his goals and vision to grow the program, and why he's the right man for the job.

Norway's Ida Narbuvoll has a resume you should memorize. Two NCAA titles and the NCAA Divison II 5K record. Add last weekend's Norwegian 10K national title and you're looking at one of the most-decorated athletes we've had the privilege of interviewing. Ryan & Cam ask Ida about Norway, her transition to the NCAA, and last weekend's national championship.

On the same day UND announced Jim Vahrenkamp as the new head track & field and cross country coach, we were able to sit down with Coach Vahrenkamp and pick his brain. Listen to him share his background, how he built University of Queens into a Division II track and field force, and the big picture he has for UND's program. Also listen as we provide an update on the cross country season one month into the season.

Cam & Ryan still love to compete, so when Tracksmith announced their Twilight 5000 series in Minneapolis, Cam jumped at the opportunity. Follow Cam's adventure down to the Twin Cities, his pre-race thoughts, and the journey home!

Coaching changes aren't uncommon in track and field! But what's really uncommon is an entire staff leaving! The University of North Dakota finds itself in a precarious spot with less than a week until athletes arrive on campus. Cam & Ryan dig into what's happening at "the school up north."

Cam & Ryan assembled the biggest cast of track nerds we could find into this very entertaining episode. Devin Monson (Director of Track & Field at Hamline), Macie Weber (former University of Iowa cross country & track athlete), Lexi Zeis (pro runner for Roots Running Project in Boulder, Colorado), and Kara Neustrom (former University of Iowa cross country & track athlete) state bold predictions, offer hot takes, and choose who will be making Team USA in several marquee events at the Olympic Trials!

Thought Season 2 was over? You've been mistaken! Ryan sits down with 5 athletes who will be competing in the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials. Listen to Alex Talley, Benji Phillips, Kari Wolfe, Payton Otterdahl, and Maddy Nilles share their experiences leading into the trials, what they hope to accomplish, and what representing their country would mean to them. Also find out what pizza they're ordering at the famous TrackTown Pizza in Eugene, Oregon! We hope you listen to the entire episode, but listed below are the timestamp of each athlete's interview: Alex Talley: 3:47 - 15:08 Benji Phillips: 15:35 - 29:18 Kari Wolfe: 29:45 - 39:43 Payton Otterdahl: 40:12 - 54:36 Maddy Nilles: 55:05 - 1:07:50

One final hurrah for Season 2! Cam & Ryan talk about their most recent meets in Grand Forks and Dallas, NDSU athletes competing at NCAAs, and schedule changes to next season's state cross country and track meet.

To recap what may have been the most exciting state meet in North Dakota history, Cam & Ryan sit down to discuss, share, and celebrate two exciting days at the Bismarck Community Bowl.

As the state meet starts tomorrow, listen to Cam, Ryan, and guest host Nate Peterson break down who to watch, events you can't miss, and who serves the best hamburger at the state meet.

It shouldn't be a surprise that Cam & Ryan are friends in real life. When friends don't talk for a while, they need a good chance to catch up. On Episode 23, Ryan tells Cam all about his decathlon last weekend in Azusa, California, followed by a quick conference recap and a look towards the See Dick Run Mile Extravaganza!

"Your state record holder in the triple jump is Mike Backes of Red River set back in 1998." If you've attended a state track meet in recent years, we're sure you've heard this announcement. So who is Mike Backes? Cam & Ryan sit down with Mike, the former state record holder and All-American, and listen to stories of overcoming injuries, training through the devastating 1997 flood, and never giving up on your dreams.

Our first vaulter! Mike Herauf, a former Dickinson High standout, currently competes at the University of Minnesota. On this episode, Mike shares stories of his early progressions in the vault, his role in fighting to save the Gopher's men's track and field program, and what it means becoming the highest-vaulting North Dakota native EVER. Plus an impromptu appearance by another North Dakota legend. All this on Episode 21.

If you've ever driven on North Dakota's "Enchanted Highway," you've probably been pretty close to the town of Mott. Besides being the Pheasant Capital of North Dakota, it's home to javelin thrower Alyssa Olin. From two-time state runner-up to two-time All-American, join Cam & Ryan in this interview filled with great conversation, fun memories, and hilarious stories.