For Alex Bowns, cross country running was just supposed to be a way to get in shape for the soccer season. He had never run long distance before, and figured it would be a good chance to improve his cardio. Yet four years later, Bowns now has a different plan.

After winning four of the first five meets this season, including an undefeated record in the conference, Bowns is taking aim at the State Meet this November. Considering the numbers he has put up so far, it looks like he is a shoe-in.

Last Wednesday at Issaquah, Bowns broke the 3-mile course record by ten seconds, finishing 54 seconds faster than the second place runner. And that’s not his only record: last spring at the 4A state championships, Bowns broke the Ballard high school 2-mile record.

“I hope to help my team qualify into the Washington State 4A division championships this November,” he said. “And along with that, individually win the Kingco championship meet and finish top-five at the state meet.”

Bowns is going well off the field too, sporting a 3.9 GPA. When asked about where he plans on going to college, he stated that he hadn’t committed anywhere yet, but that there was plenty of interest from D1 schools. One thing that he is sure of though, is that he will continue running in college.

Although cross country is essentially an individual sport, Bowns is very appreciative of the stability and influence his coach Bob Mirenzi has given him.

“My coach has been a great influence on me and has coached me all four years,” he said. “Becoming a runner has been a great experience for me.”

Bowns and the rest of the Beaver cross country team hope to continue the hot start to the season this afternoon at Kelsey Creek, as they take on Bothell and Newport.