Power of Positive Thinking Leading Shepherd to New Heights

By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports

(October 15, 2023 7:35 AM ET) Longtime Hanover-Horton High School cross country Coach Dean Blackledge said he has experienced a number of conversations with runner Evan Shepherd about running and expectations.

One talk last spring finally sunk in with Shepherd.

The effects are evident this fall as Shepherd is one of the top individual cross country runners and is leading the Comets to another possible state championship.

“Coach B told me to tell myself ‘I can do it … I’ve got this,’” Shepherd said. “The first time I tried it I ran a personal record in a track and field event.

“It has worked great.”

After an injury-filled junior season on the cross country trails Shepherd is running in the 16s and helping the Comets win dual meets in the newly formed Cascades Conference. He has decreased his times in 5K events by nearly two minutes this season.

Shepherd ran 16 minutes, 18 seconds Tuesday to hold off Jonesville – another team in the Division 3 top 10 in cross country rankings – to win 26-29. Shepherd edged Caleb Blonde and Gavin VanCampen of Jonesville in the 5K event.

“I knew I could outlast them with the right mindset,” Shepherd said.

Shepherd said he did not approach the 2022 season with much optimism after “not being prepared” and experiencing a hip injury.

“What I did last year (training-wise) did not work so I started training better this summer,” Shepherd said. “I ran 50 miles per week compared to 30 miles this past summer.

“My mental state is a lot healthier.”

Shepherd had three aces in the hole with brothers Austin, Bo, and Logan. All were all-state runners for Hanover-Horton.

“They have been great mentors for me,” Shepherd said. “Last year was not great for me and I was nowhere close to any of their times (on the cross country trails).

“There is pressure (to match their accomplishments), but you have to do you.”

Shepherd believes lessons on the cross country trails and track and field will last a lifetime.

“Sports teaches you it is all in the state of mind you are in,” Shepherd said. “If you are in a positive state of mind, you are already halfway there to accomplishing what you set out to do.

“You have to believe hard work pays off.”

Shepherd plans to attend college to run cross country and track. He has a 3.6 grade point average and is in the top 15 of his class.