Brian Sellenriek, senior, started running in eighth grade and hasn’t stopped.

“I went to the gym a lot and would run because I wanted to practice for high school,” Sellenriek said.

He said he started the activity because he wanted to stay in shape and then it became a hobby.

“It’s great when your belly isn’t flabby anymore and you have abs,” Sellenriek said.

Sellenriek said he joined the MHS Cross Country team in the ninth grade and has loved running with the group for four years.

“It’s been rewarding,” Sellenriek said. “I met a lot of great kids through the team and made some good friends.”

In his cross country career, Sellenriek has won two awards, both at the Troy Invitational, a major cross country race.

“I’m very proud of myself,” Sellenriek said. “It was a very hilly course.”

Besides running cross country, Sellenriek said he swims and boxes to stay in shape during the off-season.

“I take kick boxing lessons at Lifetime two times a week,” Sellenriek said. “We punch bags and do a lot of weight training without actual weights, but with the body. It’s like a full body workout, and there’s lots of cardio.”

The boxing is mostly recreational, Sellenriek said. He does not compete with it.

Sellenriek said he hopes to continue running through college. He never wants to lose momentum.