Oakdale senior Cade Middaugh had an eventful summer.

Middaugh competed in the Amateur Athletic Union West Coast National Track and Field Championships in Reno, Nevada earlier this summer and finished fourth overall in the boys 17-18 3000 meters and took third in the 1500 meter run.

Middaugh competes for the Mustangs in cross country where he credits his coaches and teammates for his success.

“My teammates carry me every time I start to race. These guys and girls really do care about each other and it is very motivating,” he said.

Middaugh went on to praise coach Guy Fowler as well.

“He wanted me to come out here and compete in cross country. He encouraged me to do it and I have not looked back. I owe a lot of my success and the team’s success to him,” noted Middaugh.

This is his third year on the cross country team and he even ran track his freshman year, where he ran the mile and two-mile events.

“It takes a lot of work to be successful in running, whether it is long distance or not. You need to stay focused and determined during the season,” Middaugh explained. “Cross country and track is not for everyone but if you are interested in it, we encourage you to check it out. You never know what you will get out of it.”