With all the attention he's receiving from his success as a member of the Jordan-Elbridge cross country team, Cody Stanton is beginning to feel like a celebrity. And it's no surprise, as the junior has already elevated to premiere status as one of the best runners in school history. Stanton won the Section III, Class C title and finished fifth at the state championships. His fifth-place finish was tied for the best in Eagles history, and that's why Stanton is The Citizen's boys cross country runner of the year.

“It is so awesome, the recognition and pride that I got from winning the sectional race,” Stanton said. “It's kind of weird but it's like everyone knows me now. I feel kind of famous. Everyone keeps coming up to me congratulating me and hugging me, it's awesome.”

Running as the No. 1 man for Jordan-Elbridge, Stanton led the Eagles to a top-three ranking in the state.

“He trains hard and races harder,” Eagles coach Roger Roman said. “I can't fill him up on mileage, he goes home from practice and does more.”

Stanton even goes so far as to run two miles barefoot after every practice.

“I read online that running barefoot everyday helps build up the capillaries in your muscles,” Stanton said. “So I did that until I got a chunk of glass in my foot.”

Running 40 miles a week with his team at practice, Stanton would have his father pick him up afterward and drop him off about halfway from home so that he could run the rest of the way.

“I thought that the more I ran, the more I would progress,” Stanton said. “It felt really good, I just couldn't get enough. I wanted to be at my best.”

Stanton has more than enough reasons to keep running. He said his family and friends keep him inspired especially his father.

“My dad is really into my running,” Stanton said. “Both of my parents have put a lot of time and effort into it. ... Plus I really love it. I can't wait to see how I can do next year.”