Pick up the pace. Too fast. Slower. Not that slow. Perfect. A consistent pace is key for senior cross country runner Roland Prenzler.

Prenzler has been doing cross country since 7th grade and strives to run with that consistent pace so his times improve steadily.

“Roland is a strong runner who constantly challenges himself to do better,” junior Muriel Bowen said. “He’s worked really hard to get where he is and continues to work hard.”

Prenzler has dedicated himself to running, something that’s really shown, as his time has improved year after year.

“One day during practice we had a game day and Roland, instead of playing, went on a 15 mile run,” junior Trevor Welsh said.

His dedication strong and his runs lengthy, Prenzler never stops his mission of improving. In the summer Prenzler runs 70 miles per week. As he’s currently racing every week, he runs closer to 55 miles per week. Training is one of the most important parts of running long distances, and Prenzler gives it his all to help prepare him for his races.

“My strategy is to ease into training, consider all aspects of what will help me improve and be consistent,” Prenzler said.

For Prenzler, running isn’t just a way to occupy his time during high school. He plans to run, under scholarship, at the collegiate level.

“Roland is one of the hardest working runners I’ve ever met,” junior Henry Gruben said. “There isn’t a day when he isn’t pushing everyone to go father.”

However, Prenzler isn’t just a great runner. For example, Welsh recalled his interactions with Prenzler and noted that the people around him are constantly laughing at his jokes and remarks.

“Roland is one of the really unique individuals on our team,” Coach George Patrylak told the Intelligencer. “In all the years that I’ve coached and made comparisons of different runners, Roland is just Roland. With his personality and his attitude, he’s a very fun person to be around.”