Nate Russell, Cross Country

For sophomore Nate Russell, running has always been more than just a sport. Growing up in Coeur d’Alene, he tried nearly every activity his parents signed him up for, soccer, baseball, basketball, even flag football. But when he first lined up for cross country in second grade, something clicked. “I think I got forced to do it,” he admitted with a laugh. “But it stuck. Out of all the sports, running was just the one that felt right.”

Through middle school, he balanced both soccer and cross country until injuries forced a decision. He chose running, and it’s been his passion ever since. “I was always one of the fastest kids in elementary school,” he said. “It sounds weird, but being good at it made it fun. And soccer translated to running, but the injuries kept piling up, so I knew I had to focus on cross country.”

Now a sophomore with the Sasquatch, Nate has fully embraced the rhythm of a student-athlete’s life. His days often start before sunrise with an easy run, followed by classwork and homework, before heading back for practice in the afternoon. Three times a week, those doubles stack up with an evening lift. It’s a schedule that demands discipline. “Our mileage changes depending on the week, but the routine keeps me grounded,” he said. “Running gives me structure. Without it, my life would feel kind of all over the place.”

That structure has led to his proudest achievements as a runner. In high school, after a winter of consistent training and recovery, Nate won state titles in the 800 and 1600. “That was the season where everything came together,” he said. “I did all the little things, sleep, nutrition, recovery, and stayed healthy. Seeing it all pay off reminded me how much consistency matters.”

That lesson has carried into his time at Spokane. He points to all his coaches, past and present, as major inspirations. “I haven’t had a bad coach. They’ve all been different, with different methods, but I’ve learned something unique from each one. The biggest thing that’s stuck with me is that the little things add up. Whether it’s eating right, stretching, or just showing up every day, it makes a difference.”

Nate’s goals for this season are ambitious. His personal record in the 8K sits at 25:54.7, and he’s aiming to drop into the low 25s, or even break 25 minutes. More importantly, he wants Spokane to dominate at the NWAC Championships. “Last year was rough,” he admitted. “We still won, but most of us had bad races. It should’ve been a blowout, and instead it was close. This year, we want it to be a shutout.”

His motivation in tough practices comes from a mix of perspective and mental toughness. “Most practices hurt, but you know the pain isn’t going to get worse. You’ve felt it before, so you just keep going,” he said. Positive reinforcement helps too. “I remind myself of the hard things I’ve already done, and it makes me believe I can push through.”

Beyond running, Nate is pursuing a degree in accounting, with an internship lined up in Coeur d’Alene. He’s open to where that path takes him, whether staying close to home or exploring opportunities in bigger cities like Seattle. What matters most is maintaining the healthy lifestyle he’s built through running.

His advice for younger athletes is simple but powerful: “Be consistent. Show up every day and give your 100 percent, whatever that looks like. Some days your 100 percent will feel different than others but make the most of every day you’re given. You never know when a race might be your last, so make it count.”

With his quiet determination and relentless drive, Nate has become a cornerstone of Spokane’s cross country program. For him, the miles are more than training, they’re a daily reminder of what persistence, consistency, and belief can achieve.