By Blake Chadwick

Very few people like to lead when it comes to running races. Ell-Saline senior Carson Fouard is one of the select few who have the ability to lead and want to lead. 

The senior finished fifth last year at state and feels like he could win this year. 

“For me, the goal is to push the pace as early as possible and that’s extremely important because I know my strengths and I struggle with finishing with a fast kick to in my races,” Fouard said.

Fouard is one of those runners who doesn’t lack any confidence while he runs. 

“Confidence has both a visual and mental meaning to me,” Fouard said. “Visually, I have to display the ability that I know I can do well. In cross country, there’s a lot of self-talking or coaching that takes place as well. It doesn’t matter what I look like on the outside. I’ve learned it is the mental confidence that can impact the final placings the most. Over time, I have learned balancing the two makes me an overall confident runner.” 

Fouard’s personal record in the 5k is a 16:24 time. In track, the senior holds the 3200-meter record with a time of 9:49. 

With a super successful career in an Ell-Salina jersey, Fouard doesn’t feel like he is finished writing his name in the Cardinal record books.