Sorenson runs on the big stage

Owatonna’s Jack Sorenson can often be spotted running around town as part of his daily training regimen, but earlier this month, he traded in the local streets for the big stage out in Oregon.

The rising senior earned a spot in the 2024 Nike Outdoor Nationals at the University of Oregon on June 15 and ran a 4:24.65, placing 59^th in the Emerging Elite race in a field of 90 athletes.

“The last lap I threw down as much as I could with my kick. Looking at it, I knew I had given everything I had for my last race of the season. I didn’t know my time or placement until we got back to the athletes village, but I was really happy when I saw how I did,” said Sorenson.

According to him, earning the trip out west was more than just a season-long goal. It was something he felt he had to achieve.

“My parents actually bought the plane tickets to Oregon before I had even qualified, so to speak. When I ran a 4:19 mile during the season, that’s when I knew I’d qualified, and we put in my application for nationals. It was a weight off my shoulders that it had all paid off.”

However, the application process was not as easy as Sorenson had hoped.

After being told that all race slots had already been filled, Sorenson replied that he would be in town anyway and available if someone were to drop out.

His spot eventually opened up, and an email from the tournament directors found its way to his phone to officially set him up for the big day.

“I almost couldn’t believe it when I saw it. It was a roller coaster of emotions from hearing ‘no’ to now being told I’m going to race.”

Now primed for the biggest test of his career, Sorenson had more than just family to fall back on for support.

“My friend Trevor Hiatt flew out with me as a supporter and coach. We ran together in cross-country and track, and now he’s at the University of South Dakota running in college. It meant a lot because we came so close through running. Having him there was an awesome experience,” said Sorenson.

According to Sorenson, Hiatt told him to start fast but to manage his energy and focus on positioning.

The game plan had been set, and now only one more part of the race remained: enjoying the moment.

“It was definitely a lot different from other races. I’m usually nervous up until the gun goes off and then all the nerves go away and it’s normal. They gave us our numbers and had us line up, and as I walked through the tunnel, I didn’t feel any nerves. I was just in awe of everything around me. It was a dream come true. I remember standing at the starting line and whispering to myself, ‘This is awesome,’” said Sorenson.

Sorenson’s day to remember was his last competition of the 2024 spring and summer track season, and he will now wait to compete again in cross-country this fall.