By Blake Chadwick
Buhler senior Zac Friesen has developed into one of the more versatile and explosive athletes in the area.
“As an athlete, my biggest strength is my explosiveness,” Friesen said. “This is the reason my start is the best part of my race. Explosiveness allows me to push out of the blocks, setting up the rest of my race.”
Friesen has been competing in track since seventh grade, steadily building toward some of the biggest moments of his career. One that stands out came last season when Buhler finished second at the Class 4A state meet as a team.
Heading into his senior season, Friesen’s goals are centered on both performance and longevity.
“My personal goals are to be under 14.5 in the 110 hurdles and qualify for state in javelin,” he said. “But making sure I stay healthy and not focus too much on performance early in the year is very important right now.”
While his future is still undecided, Friesen has kept his options open. He has been working closely with his coaches to expand his abilities, particularly as a potential multi-event athlete at the next level. Even if track is not part of his college path, he plans to pursue a degree in exercise science and business with an interest in the performance health field.
Buhler coach Willie Adkins believes Friesen’s success goes far beyond his athletic ability.
“Zac is an amazing young man,” Adkins said. “He is driven in many avenues of his life, a self-starter and focused on his academics and extracurricular activities. He is a student of track and field. He understands mechanics, force and angles, and he works the proper way to continue to get better.”
That approach has made a lasting impact not only on his own career, but on the program as a whole.
“The Buhler track program will be in great hands when I graduate,” Friesen said. “We have a great coaching staff and underclassmen already putting up big marks. I know several athletes below me will step up and take on those roles.”
