Boulis Combines Lifting, Running, and Mentality for Cross Country Success

By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports

(October 19, 2024 8:00 AM ET) Hanover-Horton High School cross country runner Landen Boulis has combined running, lifting, and the power to believe for success this season.

It appears to have worked for one of the top runners in Jackson County.

Boulis is running nearly a minute faster as compared to his time last year at the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 3 state championship in 2023.

The senior believes that all three elements have helped him become one of the top runners in the area.

“If you have the courage to believe and put in the work, it is going to happen,” Boulis said. “This is the first year I have tried lifting and running at the same time.”

Boulis finished second in the Cascades Conference with a time of 16:27 during the finals at Ella Sharp Park on Wednesday. Hanover-Horton was tied for first heading into the meet, ran the competition, but did not receive any conference points due to the fact the team was late in registering for the event.

Boulis finished second to Jonesville runner Caleb Blonde. The two have enjoyed healthy competition this season as Boulis has beaten him once but lost four other competitions.

He lost to Blonde by six seconds at the conference meet.

“When we took off Cooper (Flick) and I were way behind … probably nine seconds,” Boulis said. “I was reeling him in the second mile, but he got me a little on the last downhill.

“His kick is really good.”

Boulis has found himself as one of the leaders on the Comets’ team … which is a little hard for the senior as Boulis had admired previous Hanover-Horton runners who led the Comets.

“I do not like to boast … I tell people I am pretty good at running,” Boulis said. “If people need advice on running they come to me.”

Boulis started running in sixth grade, quit for a year in eighth grade as he homeschooled, but came back to the sport as a freshman.

“I would not be half the athlete or person without Hanover-Horton cross country,” Boulis said. “Sports teaches you how to be mentally and physically tough.”

Boulis believes his summer of lifting has helped. Last year he lost eight pounds during the cross country season but has maintained his weight through lifting.

“I have stayed about the same weight this season and it has helped,” Boulis said.

He would like to run next year at Spring Arbor University but is open to other colleges or universities. Boulis would like to study engineering at college and should not have trouble academically with a 3.75 grade point average at HHHS.