Christian Balcer is from East Central High School in Hurley, MS. To say that Balcer is a distance specialist would be an understatement, as his range is incredible. With PR's of 1:53.9 in the 800m and 14:38 in the 5k, he can just about do it all. Balcer decided to take his talents over to Mississippi College, a Division 2 program based out of Clinton, MS coached by Matthew Reneker. Balcer will most likely specialize in every event between the 1500m and the 5k... and that's including the 3k steeplechase. Mississippi College is coming off of a indoor conference championship back in February of 2021, and is looking to be a top 10 team nationally in cross country. Mississippi College has been voted the best Private college in Mississippi. Balcer, who boasts a 3.9 GPA, is planning on majoring in Exercise Science in the fall. Here is some insight on how he got to where he is today, as well as some advice he would give to younger athletes:
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Explain your 'running journey'... (How did you get into running, how did your senior season go, and how did you get connected with the college that you are going to?)
I got into running by participating in local 5ks and my U10 soccer coach, Jack Godfrey. He knew that I had a chance to be really good at running and believed in me before I even thought about running. Senior season was phenomenal and I had so much fun! I first got connected with Mississippi College when I met Coach Reneker my junior year at MC Watson Ford.
What is your most memorable meet/race and why?
RunningLane Cross Country Championship (xc)
5A State Meet (Track)
Out of all your high school achievements, which one means the most to you and why?
Going sub 15 in the 5k and becoming to first Mississippian to run sub 15
If you could go back and do it all over again, what would you change, if anything?
Nothing. I would not change anything about my highschool running experience!
Who is somebody that you look up to / someone that helped you along your journey to get you where you are today?
My Grandparents, Jack Godfrey, and Zach Deihl
What will you miss the most?
The bond our team had and bus rides home with the team.
What piece of advice would you give to the younger athletes that are just getting started on their journey?
Trust God, have courage, and be patient.
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WATCH Balcer win the Class 5A 1600m at the MHSAA 1A/3A/5A State Championships
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Are you a graduating senior who is competing in college, and you haven't filled out the survey yet? Well what are you waiting for?!? Fill it out for your chance to get your very own feature on Mississippi MileSplit, as well as letting other younger runners know how to get to where you are.
