Today, we salute Alexander Ermold of Governor Mifflin.
Ermold had a strong career in the distance events. He was a two-time state meet qualifier in the 1,600 meters. During his senior year, Ermold ran a PR of 4:16.56 to win the county title. He went on to take eighth in the state final in the event in a time of 4:16.83, earning a state medal in Class AAA. He also ran PRs of 1:55.78 in the 800 and 9:33.41 in the 3,200.
In cross country, Ermold qualified for states in 2017 where he placed 70th in Class AAA. That season, he ran his 5kK best of 15:45 at the Paul Short Run.
Ermold, a Shippensburg University recruit, reflected on his career for PennTrackXC.
Throughout the end of June and through July we we be honoring our graduating seniors. To submit your own questionnaire to be posted on the front page of PennTrackXC, check out this page and email your responses to Dan Beck (daniel.beck@flosports.tv).
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What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race would be the 1600 win at the county championship on my home turf during senior year. I always wanted to see if I could break the school record in the 1600 which was 4:16.87. I ran 4:16.56 that day and not only it was a school record, but a meet record as well.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
States of senior year in the 1600. I knew this was gonna be my last high school race and I knew I had the competition to pull me a long for a fast time and hopefully a state medal.
Out of all your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
My biggest accomplishment would be placing 8th in the PIAA AAA Championship 1600m running 4:16.83. Although it was not a PR, it was still an amazing accomplishment and couldn't have asked a better way to end my high school career.
My most memorable race would be the 1600 win at the county championship on my home turf during senior year. I always wanted to see if I could break the school record in the 1600 which was 4:16.87. I ran 4:16.56 that day and not only it was a school record, but a meet record as well.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
States of senior year in the 1600. I knew this was gonna be my last high school race and I knew I had the competition to pull me a long for a fast time and hopefully a state medal.
Out of all your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
My biggest accomplishment would be placing 8th in the PIAA AAA Championship 1600m running 4:16.83. Although it was not a PR, it was still an amazing accomplishment and couldn't have asked a better way to end my high school career.
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If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
I really wish I could've been a lot healthier during postseason of senior year cross country. At counties I fell with about 100m to go and almost did not finish. At districts I fell three times through the very muddy conditions and unable to qualify for the state meet which I did during junior year of cross country.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle would be coming into 9th grade. At the end of summer training I didn't know if I wanted to continue running because I realized how much more intense high school practices were than junior high practices. My parents helped me and I was able to push through it. It became easier for me every year and knew what to expect.
What will you miss the most?
I will definitely miss all the friends that I have made and competed against in Berks County. It was honestly a lot of fun and made the sport very enjoyable.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Remember to train hard but smart. Know when to push and when to back off a bit. Make sure you do every rep and no cutting corners.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
My coaches not only have helped me become a better athlete, but better person as well. Honestly without them I would not be the person that I am today. I have learned a lot from them and it's helped lead me to so much success I couldn't have thanked them enough.
What are your post-high school plans?
I will be attending Shippensburg University to run track and cross country and to major in accounting.
Any shoutouts?
My mom and dad, my brother Austin and my sister Annika, my coaches, friends and teammates that I have met throughout my whole high school career on and off the track.
