Coupeville Sports

Henry Purdue is a fast-rising star in the running world. (Photos courtesy Julieanna Purdue)

“I really like running.”

And it shows, as Henry Purdue has been one of the top Wolves in both cross country and track and field during his middle school days.

Now, as he prepares to make the jump to high school as a freshman in the fall, the lanky teen, who has deep prairie roots, is intent on continuing to make big strides in both sports.

While he’s also played basketball and soccer, Purdue gets his biggest athletic joy from hitting the open trail or burning around a track oval.

“My favorite thing about being an athlete is running with other people,” he said. “I like that we challenge one another to do better.

“One of my strengths as an athlete is that I love to run, I love conditioning and trying to improve,” Purdue added.

“An area I’d like to work on is continuing to improve my time.”

Getting work experience in the land of fine cheeses.

A strong student in the classroom as well, he “loves Legos, my cats, and reading,” while picking the Eddie Murphy-led classic Beverly Hills Cop as his favorite movie.

But it’s Purdue’s fleet-footed work which has drawn the most attention of late.

He’s already building a stellar reputation, having finished 3rd and 4th at the season-ending Cascade League Cross Country Championships the past two seasons.

Purdue is an equal-opportunity threat in the spring, competing in the 800, 1600, high jump, 4 x 100 relay, and long jump during his CMS days.

During his 8th grade campaign he hit the tape first seven times, piling up four victories in the 800 and another three in the 1600.

Still, there’s room to grow, and work to put in.

“My goals are to keep enjoying running and, if possible, to rise in the ranks,” Purdue said.

He hails Cyrus Sparacio, who advanced to the state meet in two events as a CHS freshman this spring, as an inspiration.

“Running with him in training has helped me to run faster,” Purdue said.

Plotting world domination with his feline assistant.