Isaac Hawkins Ferris Year: Junior Sport: Cross Country

State champion Isaac Hawkins has become a states champion.

Hawkins outclassed three senior runners - including one who had defeated him convincingly earlier in the year - in winning last Saturday’s Foot Locker West Regional cross country meet at Fresno, Calif.

Hawkins completed the 5,000-meter course in 15 minutes, 4 seconds, the nation’s top time. Billy Herman of Boise, who beat Hawkins at the SunFair Invitational, was third, 13 seconds back.

Hawkins, crowned the State AAA champion one month ago, enters Saturday’s nationals in San Diego as one of the favorites.

“The West usually does (produce the fastest time) because it’s the warmest climate and, except for one hill, the course is flat,” said Hawkins about his favorite’s role.

Hawkins’ high school coach, Mike Hadway, isn’t surprised by any of his state champ’s accomplishments. “He’s very focused and visualizing correctly rather than worrying about the other athletes,” Hadway said. “He runs for time rather than worry about the other kids.”

Jeffrey Hopkins of Utah, the regional runner-up, tried to break away from Hawkins near the end.

“He surged downhill, but I caught up,” Hawkins said. “I had envisioned making my move, so I made it and surged to the finish. I won by more than 12 seconds.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo