![Phoenix gets in position to initiate the beginning of an intense game. “It's coming to the end of the season here, so [our goal] is to just focus on working harder,” senior lineman Ryan Abbondanza said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/DSC_0042-1200x800.jpg)
Freshman Ethan Duval, a freshman athlete at Rock Ridge, has already made an impact. He brought his previous track skills, which helped him flourish in cross-country and indoor track. In this Q&A, he opens up about his track experiences and how he approaches each running season.
Q: How long have you been running track for?
A: Six years.
Q: Where did you run before high school?
I ran with this track club called Legacy.
Q: What events did you run prior to high school?
A: I ran the 400, the 800, and sometimes the 200.
Q: What [events] do you currently run?
A: I’m running the 500. I ran the 4×200 relay.
Q: Would you say that [the 500 is] your best [event]?
A: I’d say my best is the 800.
Q: What have you achieved this year?
A: I won in the first cross-country race I ran. This indoor season, I won a medal for the 500.
Q: What’s your favorite part of running?
A: My favorite part of running is maybe the speed or the boost of adrenaline that you get while running.
Q: How do you feel when you’re running in a race?
A: I feel super focused while I’m running. The only thing that matters at that moment is just finishing first place.
Q: Do you have any pre-race rituals?
A: I like to eat spaghetti for dinner the night before.
Q: How do you really lock in before the meets, right when you’re about to race?
A: I try to get the nerves out before, so I’m not nervous for the race. And I just run, just have fun.
Q: How has track shaped you as a person?
A: Track has made me realize what I really like, like how I like running. Some people like other sports like soccer, but I realize I don’t just like track for winning, but I actually like the experience of track.
Q: Do you prefer cross country, winter track, or spring track? Is there any specific reason?
A: I prefer spring track. Cross country is fun, [but] it’s a little long sometimes. Indoor is cold all the time. Spring is kind of in the middle, not too long of a distance, and it’s nice weather.
Q: Would you prefer running in -1 degrees or 101 degrees?
A: I would rather have -1 degrees, because if I ran in 101 degrees, I would probably pass out, and that wouldn’t be good.
Q: Do you have any pre-race hype music?
A: Not really. I just kind of listen to anything and everything.
Q: Do you have a favorite color that you dye your hair?
A: I think the blonde right now is good, until I get my hair longer.
