Prairie Track & Field Podcast

Episode 100: Sean Korsmo on Breaking 4 Minutes, the Effort to Get There, and the North Dakota Soil Record

It’s only appropriate that for such a milestone episode, we celebrate an incredible milestone in North Dakota track and field. On February 9th, Sean Korsmo of Bismarck, now running for the University of Tulsa, broke 4 minutes in the mile at a meet in Chicago. Coming into the meet, he’d run 4:02 several weeks prior at Iowa State, making him the 2nd fastest miler all-time in North Dakota. Sean shares insights on what went into breaking 4 minutes, both on and off the track, and what goals he's ...

Episode 99: The Best Race You Never Heard Of, Bison Open Recap, Olympic Marathon Trials, & More

The first weekend of February was one for the books. With great performances happening at both the national and local level, take a step back with Ryan & Cam to recap all your favorite events, and some you may have missed.

Episode 98: Nadir Yusuf, Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier, and His Journey to Get There

Nadir Yusuf, former MSUM All-American, will be on the start line at Saturday's 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials in Orlando. In this one-on-one episode with Cam, Nadir shares his journey to success and what it's taken to chase his biggest dreams.

Episode 97: The January Recap

It's been awhile, but we're happy to be back behind the mics! Plenty of banter, top performances, and so much more discussed on our first episode of 2024! Enjoy!

Episode 96: Munir Isahak on His 5th-Place Finish at USATF Club XC, How He Found Running, and Why He’s Still Going

Munir Isahak came to America ten years ago as a refugee. Despite viewing himself as a soccer player initially, he picked up running at Fargo South High School and has never looked back. After an illustrious career at Concordia College (MN), he continues to compete post-collegiately for Lake Effect. Fresh off a 5th-place finish at the USATF Club XC Championships, Munir shares about his journey and what's next.

Episode 95: XC Season Recap - D2, D3, NAIA, & NJCAA

On this episode, Cam & Ryan break down almost every North Dakota college and university that competed at their respective national championship meet. From Division II all the way to the junior college level, we recognize the teams and individuals who raced & finished their XC season. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! 

Episode 94: XC Season Recap - Division I & NXR

On this episode, Cam & Ryan share their final thoughts on Division I XC, specifically Cam's trip to the Midwest Region meet in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and the high school NXR meet for the 2023 season. Happy Thanksgiving!

Episode 93: Jonah Njos on Winning the Class B Boys XC Title, Bowman County’s Dominance, and What’s Next

Jonah Njos is a rising star on the North Dakota running scene. After being a consistent contributor on some of Bowman County's recent championship teams, he took the next step and earned his first individual title at this fall's North Dakota XC Championships. Listen to Jonah describe his victory, what it took to prepare for and execute his race, and what's next for the Bowman County sophomore.

Episode 92: 2023 XC Individual State Champions Episode

In one of our favorite episodes, we introduce you to the newest kids on the block - your 2023 North Dakota High School Individual State XC Champions! We asked Owen Sondag (Class A Boys), Jocie Schiller (Class A Girls), Brynn Hanson (Class B Girls), and Jonah Njos (Class B Boys) about what it felt like to win, how they prepared for this season, and what's next. Plus many good stories and banter about this XC season! Because Jonah joined late, he'll be getting his own episode. Stay tuned!

Episode 91: 2023 Summit League XC Championships Preview

We're excited to be helping out with the broadcast of the Summit League XC Championships once again! Whether you'll be joining us in Brookings or watching online, we want to make sure you're prepared for what's going to be an epic two races! From predictions in the individual and team races to guesses on race strategies, find out everything you need to more on this short, but sweet episode!

Episode 90: North Dakota High School XC State Meet Preview 2023

Championship season is here! Listen to Cam & Ryan break down the storylines, athletes, and teams to watch at this season's North Dakota State XC Championships. With an impending snow storm, both Class A and Class B races will taking place on October 28th. This decision was made after the recording of this podcast. Listen now so that you know exactly what to look out for on Saturday!

Episode 89: Jacob Jensen on His Final XC Season at Minot State & The Goals He Has Left

Jacob Jensen's individual progression is wild. He never placed higher than 11th at the North Dakota state track meet, but he's consistently mixing it up at the front of the pack on the XC course and on the track. Listen to Jacob discuss his rise in the sport, where he found his passion for running, and why he and his teammates are ready for the NSIC XC Championships.

Episode 88: Griak Invitational Recap, Class A Girls Storylines, & Border Battle Preview

Your hosts review the month of September, including the prestigious Roy Griak Invitational that saw multiple ND Universities & high school teams compete. We also discuss how good Class A Girls XC is and give a brief preview of the Border Battle.

Episode 87: Jake Arason on Bison XC, His Individual Development, & The Mount Rushmore of ND Distance Runners

Jake Arason is a lot of things: a testimony to hard work and dedication, one of NDSU's top runners, and a fan of the Everything Grinder at Red Pepper. Most importantly, he's a big xc and track & field fan. We ask Jake about NDSU's season, his individual progressions, and who he ranks as the top distance runners in North Dakota history. 

Episode 86: Mid-September Update for ND Collegiate and High School XC

The XC season is in full swing in North Dakota, with both high school and collegiate teams finding themselves in the heart of the season. Cam & Ryan break down several of the recent collegiate races in the region and unpack the latest high school poll. There's a lot of banter on this episode, so we hope that you feel like you're a part of the conversation!

Episode 85: Jarvis Jelen on New Direction for University of Jamestown

It's rare that a Divison I head coach takes a job at an NAIA program, but that's exactly what Jarvis Jelen, the new Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at the University of Jamestown, did. With a mission & vision of rebuilding a program, Jarvis outlines his roadmap to success and shares his goals for the team. Plus listen to him share stories from his own running career!

Episode 84: 2023 North Dakota High School XC Preview & Week 1 Recap

Cam & Ryan break down the North Dakota high school XC season by class. They break down the stats on key returners, point out runners to watch, and make their team predictions for the state title. Plus get an update on Week 1 of the season and upcoming meets.

Episode 83: Andrew Carlson Part 2 - Final Reflections & Favorite Stories

Episode 82: Andrew Carlson Pt. 1 - Career Reflection & Making Young Dreams of Turning Pro into Reality

Andrew Carlson’s running resume checks all the boxes: high school state champion, successful collegiate runner, ran professionally, and collegiate coach. It’s the stories that have led to each checked box that make Andrew’s story so unique. From going out for cross country almost by accident to competing for Team USA against some of the legends of the sport, AC’s experiences throughout his career are relatable to runners at every level. That’s why this episode needed two parts. You can liste...

Episode 81: Payton Otterdahl on U.S. Championships Bronze & Punching His Ticket to the World Championships in Budapest

Payton Otterdahl knows how to show up when it matters most. After a season of consistent throws, Payton earned a spot on team U.S.A. for the World Championships in Budapest with a new PB that eclipsed the 22-meter barrier. We got the chance to catch up with Payton and ask about his comeback from hip surgery, what it took to punch his ticket to Hungary, and who he wants to room with in Budapest. All this and more in our latest episode!

Episode 80: Cece Deebom Reflects on Her Career, Her Future, & Why’s She’s Excited for What’s Next

4 overall all-time state records. 11 state titles. There aren’t too many stat lines better than Cece Deebom’s, the recent Fargo Davies grad who’s coming off another 4 state titles at the North Dakota High School State Track and Field Meet. We ask Cece to reflect on her career, discuss her commitment to Nebraska, and what she’s most excited for in her bright future.

Episode 79: 2023 North Dakota State Meet Recap with Kelsie Belquist & Dylan McGlothlin

The 2023 North Dakota High School State Track & Field Meet was one to remember, with 21 state meet records set. On this episode, Cam & Ryan interview Kelsie Belquist, who won 4 individual state titles and Dylan McGlothlin, a winner of 3 individual state titles. Your hosts also recap and analyze some of the other top performances from the state meet.

Episode 78: Live @ See Dick Run with Quinn Roehl - State Title, Shaved Head, & What’s Ahead

A very special episode! Recording live at See Dick Run, your hosts sit down with Quinn Roehl, your North Dakota state champion in the 3200m. We break down the races with Quinn, discuss the decision to shave his head in support of Camron, and what lies ahead at NDSU. Enjoy!

Episode 77: Braxton Bruer & Jared Gregoire on NCAA DII Championships + 10 Things to Watch at ND High School State Track & Field Meet

In one of the biggest track and field weekends of the year, the NCAA Division II Championships, the North Dakota state track and field meet, and the NCAA Division I West Prelims will all be contested. MSUM distance specialists Braxton Bruer (West Fargo, ND) and Jared Gregoire join us to preview their 800m and 1500m races, respectively, at the DII Championships in Pueblo, Colorado. Cam and Ryan cap the episode with their ND state meet Top 10 Things to Watch preview. Enjoy!

Episode 76: Nell Graham on Her Incredible Summit League Championships, Training for the Multi, and Waiting for Regionals + 2023 Conference Recap

Nell Graham started the Summit League Championships on Thursday and just never stopped running. After winning the seven-event heptathlon, she won the 400m dash, placed 5th in the 400m hurdles, and ran a leg on NDSU's silver medal 4x400m relay. Nell reflects on the meet, shares about training for the multi, and the waiting game to determine if she's qualified for the NCAA West Regional. Also find out why Cam dislikes Apple Jacks.

Episode 75: Howard Wood Dakota Relays Recap 2023

Our 75th episode! The Howard Wood Dakota Relays were crazy, with 32 event records broken and a plethora of great performances. Cam and Ryan break down some of the highlights from the weekend and give the briefest of previews of the Summit League Championships taking place in Fargo this weekend.

Episode 74: Drake Relays Recap, Howard Wood Relays Preview 2023

As we reach the final weekend of the regular season for the NCAA, it's our civic duty to recap and preview two of the Midwest's biggest track meets. Ryan breaks down some of the top performances he witnessed at the Drake Relay while Cam speaks on some of the elite event fields assembled for the Howard Wood Relays.

Episode 73: 2023 Midseason Update

Our first episode in a while! Cam and Ryan get back behind the mics to update you on the outdoor season thus far. Cam provides an update on his cancer journey, we briefly touch the high school season, then highlight some of the top performers from the past weekend. We're excited to be back and hope you enjoy this episode!

Episode 72: Austin Miller of Tinman Elite on Breaking 4 Minutes, Betting on Yourself, and His Goals in the Sport

Austin Miller might just be the best distance runner you’ve never heard of. Just a few weeks ago, the Sioux Falls native joined the list of American sub-4 milers, running 3:57.9 at the Boston Terrier Classic to break the four minute barrier for the first time. Austin, who was a multiple time All American at Augustana and now runs professionally for Tinman Elite, has his sights set on running fast and achieving big goals. Austin’s story is a testament of why to always bet on yourself, and you...

Episode 71: Kori Nagel on Being Ranked #1 in the NAIA and Her Transition to Dickinson State University

Kori Nagel joins the podcast amid her strong start to the 2023 indoor campaign. The Dickinson State thrower tossed the shot put 13.88 meters (45’6.5”) back in December, setting the Dickinson State school record and climbing up to #1 in the nation in NAIA. The crazy part? She now owns school records at multiple North Dakota universities. Nagel transferred from Minot State, where she owns the weight throw and discus records, to Dickinson State prior to this season. In our interview, she shares...

Episode 70: Brandon Lewis on Chasing Greatness in the Long Jump at NDSU

Brandon Lewis is one of the best long jumpers in North Dakota history with a PR of 7.77 (25'6"), but his story is far from over. Taking advantage of his sixth year of eligibility thanks to COVID, Brandon is ready to accomplish the remainder of his goals at NDSU. On this episode, we discuss his development in the long jump, what it’s going to take to earn the outdoor school record, and the best long jump pits he’s ever jumped in.

Episode 69: Cailee Peterson

It took us all of 2022 to get her on the podcast, but we finally interviewed distance phenom Cailee Peterson! From her humble beginnings in Mayville, ND, Cailee has exploded onto the scene as one of the top distance runners in North Dakota state history. After a grad transfer to Minnesota-Duluth for her 6th year of eligibility, she continues to write her story. We covered how she started, her favorite memories and races at SDSU, and what she looks to accomplish at Duluth.

Episode 68: 2022 ND Cross Country Season Wrap Up

All good things must come to an end, and the 2022 cross country season is no different. To wrap up it up, we each chose our 3 Stars for the 2022 season. A star could be an athlete, a team, a storyline, or anything else significant and impressive that occurred during the season. We had a lot of fun playing the game, and we want you to play along, too! Share in the comments who your three stars of the cross country season are! Choose your first, second, and third stars, with the first star bei...

Episode 67: Jaelyn Ogel - North Dakota Individual Champs Interview Pt. 2

After a near flawless 2022 season, Jaelyn Ogle won the Class A Girls’ XC Championship meet on October 22nd in dominating fashion. Today the Watford City senior committed to Mississippi State University to run collegiately with her older sister, Hayley. Last week Jaelyn hopped on the podcast to share what it took to win her first state title, how she bounced back from a tough WDA meet right before the state meet, and how she’ll spend her winter preparing for track season. If you enjoyed this ...

Episode 66: North Dakota Individual Champs Interview Pt. 1

It’s been two weeks since the North Dakota high school cross country season finished, but we are still fired up about it! We assembled our individual state champions on this episode to talk about the making of a state champion and everything behind the scenes that went into their victory. Brynn Hanson, Brady Korsmo, and Austin Wanner shared great insight into their season, and we’re excited that you’ll have the opportunity to hear their stories. (Jaelyn Ogle was not able to make the Zoom cal...

Episode 65: 2022 ND State XC Meet Preview

It's here! The final week of North Dakota's high school cross country season is upon us. Cam and Ryan break down the Class A and B races, who to watch, and some of the storylines to pay attention to heading into the race. Plus get an update on UND and NDSU's performances at the Bradley Pink Classic on October 15th.

Episode 64: Griak & Border Battle Recap 2022

Two weeks ago, one of the biggest weekends of the cross country season took place. On Friday, September 23rd, several schools from the Fargo metro ran at the prestigious Roy Griak Invite. The next day, the Inaugural Border Battle took place in Grand Forks, where over 1,000 athletes from North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Manitoba went head-to-head. While plenty of racing has taken place between then and now, we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to recap such an exciting, especiall...

Episode 63: 2022 XC Midseason Update

Can you believe the cross country season is halfway done? In any professional sport, we’d be coming up on the all-star break; instead, we approach the Border Battle this weekend. As we near the end of September, we wanted to provide you with a mid-season report. At the high school level, team races are looking tight in Class A, new athletes are at the top of the individual polls, and schools are looking to make a strong final push as we approach championship season. On the college scene, we...

Episode 62: Erin Teschuk

A few weeks ago, Cam and I had the opportunity to sit down with Erin Teschuk, a Team Canada and New Balance athlete who was a teammate of ours at NDSU. We interviewed her right after the NACAC Championships in the Bahamas, where she wore the Team Canada uniform and placed 5th in the 1500. She had a tremendous 2022 season, competing in the steeplechase early before shifting her focus to the 1500. Erin’s had an awesome running career, earning multiple All-American finishes at NDSU to competing...

Episode 61: 2022 Collegiate North Dakota XC Preview

With the collegiate cross country season now underway, we wanted to record a preview episode for North Dakota’s eight colleges and universities with cross programs. Last weekend, UND and NDSU opened their seasons in Grand Forks, and Minot State kicked their season off at the Augustana Twilight meet. But it’s tomorrow, Friday September 9th, that’s going to be a HUGE day for the North Dakota cross country scene. Every North Dakota college and university will be racing at the MSUM Dragon Twilig...

Episode 60: 2022 North Dakota XC Season Preview

It’s that time of the year again! The North Dakota high school cross country season kicked off just a couple of weeks ago, and today is the first day of the racing season. Before the season gets going, however, Cam and I wanted to bring you the 2022 Cross Country preview, an episode dedicated to this season of XC. We break down the preseason coaches' poll, tell you which teams you need to watch, athletes we’ve got our eyes on, and who will be bringing home the titles at the state meet at Jam...

Episode 59: The Border Battle - XC’s Newest Mega Meet

After 50 years, the nation’s largest cross country meet, the Milaca Mega Meet, has come to an end. Enter The Border Battle, a new cross country meet hosted in Grand Forks that will take the Mega Meet's place. We sit down with Sean Allan, head coach at Grand Forks Central, to discuss the new meet, what athletes, coaches, and fans can expect, and why you need to compete there this fall!

Episode 58: Shelby Frank

Shelby Frank is establishing herself as one of the best throwers in North Dakota history, and she's only a sophomore. In a monster season in which she set the University of Minnesota discus school record, finished runner-up at the Big 10 Championships, and was named a First-Team All-American, Shelby isn't finished yet. This weekend she will take on the country's best at the USATF 2022 Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Listen to Shelby share her journey to the upper echel...

Episode 57: Carter Elde

In our second State Meet Spotlight, Ryan and Cam sit down with Grand Forks Central's Carter Elde. Elde, who won both the 110H and 300H, shares about what it means to win a title for Central, how he found the hurdles after he thought he was a distance runner, and what he looks forward to at North Dakota State, where he will continue his track career. Plus we take a deep dive into the art of hurdling! 

Episode 56: State Champ Spotlight - Ian Busche

Over the next few weeks, Cam and I will be interviewing some of our state champions to get a behind-the-scenes look into what it takes to win a state title. We decided to start off with none other than Hazen’s Ian Busche. At the state meet, Ian won four titles, including the 800, 1600, 3200, and 4x400 relay. Ian last joined the podcast after he won the state cross country meet in October of 2021, so we also catch up on his college commitment he's since made to the University of North Dakota.

Episode 55: 2022 State Meet Recap

The 2022 North Dakota State Track & Field Meet will be one to remember! In its first year as a three day meet, the state meet watched 4 overall records and 2 Class B state records fall. Cam & Ryan break down some of the top performances from each class and just how staggering these new records are. Plus listen for some bold predictions for the 2023 track season!

Episode 54: 2022 ND State Meet Preview

The 2022 State Meet is here! Cam & Ryan break down the state meet, including each gender and each class. They'll also inform you on which athletes to watch, events that you won't want to miss, and their predictions of which teams will be bringing home hardware. Plus learn about the guys' portrait project on Friday at the state meet!

Episode 53: Hannah Arason & the NCAA DII Nationals

Hannah Arason heads into this weekend's NCAA Division II Championships ranked 6th in the heptathlon. Arason, who won the heptathlon at the NSIC Championships, shares about her path from the University of Minnesota to St. Cloud State, the highs and lows of the multi events, and why she's ready to become an All-American.

Epiosde 52: Cody Roder & Guest Host Landon Jochim

Cody Roder had himself a weekend at the Summit League Championships! The senior placed third in the 400 meter dash in a new NDSU school record time of 46.22 seconds and anchored the 4x400 meter relay to a title and new school record as well. Cam, Ryan, and guest host Landon Jochim, who held the NDSU 400 meter record previously, ask Cody about his performances and what lies ahead heading into the upcoming West Prelims.

Episode 51: Drake Relays & Howard Wood Dakota Relays Recap

With some of the season's most prestigious meets taking place back-to-back weekends, you are due for an update! Ryan provides an inside scoop of the Drake Relays, while Cam gives a recap of the Howard Wood Dakota Relays. Plus listen and find out why you need to participate in or spectate the See Dick Run Mile Extravaganza on June 4th!