Maksim Korolev of Harrisonville High School is no stranger to being being a top cross country runner in Missouri. In 2006 as a freshman Max finished 18th in the Class 3 MSHAA State Championship. In 2007 he finished 11th and in 2008 as a junior Max was second only to two time state champion Jacob Swearingen. Will 2009 be the year that Max Korolev concludes his his school career with a state championship of his own? Recently Westminster junior Daniel Everett interviewed Max on his thoughts as he enters his senior year.
Q: Max, you’ve been a state qualifier in cross country and track since you were a freshman. What are your goals coming into your final year of high school?
A: I would really like to win state and make it in the top ten at Footlocker regionals to qualify for the national race.
Q: What are you doing to prepare for your season?
A: I'm bumping up mileage a little bit, but not too much. My main focus is staying more positive (I always seem to have a negative mind set) and working on stretching and my core muscles.
Q: What are you looking forward to most about cross country season?
A: I'm really looking forward to the state meet where I'm going to attempt to break Tegenkamp's record.
Q: Where do you see yourself a year down the road as a runner?
A: I'm hopefully going to be training to run at a college! I'm aiming for Stanford but we will see.
Q: What has been your favorite experience throughout your very accomplished past three years of running?
A: I really enjoyed winning KC Metro, but ultimately my favorite experience has been just watching myself progress as a runner throughout my career.
Q: How did you first begin running?
A: I initially was into soccer during my younger years, and then in 7th grade I joined the cross country team. I met Coach Ramsey in my 8th grade year and the rest is history.
Lightning round:
1. Favorite athlete(s) to compete against?
Max Storms and Kevin Colon. Jacob Swearingen was also fun to compete against and I'm looking forward to racing you (Daniel Everett) again as well.
2. Cross Country or Track?
Cross Country
3. Favorite Band?
Senses Fail
4. Favorite Pre-Race Song?
Anything on the album Life Is Not a Waiting Room by Senses Fail.