Mitchell Shurtz is nowhere close to the runner he knows he could become.

The statement is staggering, considering Shurtz, a Northwest senior, will enter the Class 6A track and field meet this week at Cessna Stadium on the short list of contenders to win the title in the 800 meters. He will also run a leg on Northwest’s 1600 relay team, which is also vying for a gold medal.

But it is undeniably true. Shurtz was blessed with the endurance from his father, a standout distance runner in his time, and the speed from his mother, a former college sprinter. He’s a two-time City League champion in the 1600 with the ability to run a sub-50-second quarter-mile.

Read more