James Gowans is currently ranked 7th in the state.

The Talkative - (October 9, 2012) - by Patrick Twiss

 Coming into this season, cross country standout James Gowan’s was looking to build off his record breaking performances from last year.

   Ranked as high as eighth in the state, Gowan’s suffered a setback in September when he was bothered by a chronic sore calf.

   After several unsuccessful attempts to rehab the injury on his own, the senior decided it was time to seek professional help.

    “I began having pains in my leg. After trying to fix the problem by myself, I decided to get help.” The doctor then told the him that he had a pinched nerve in his back.

    After going through physical therapy, Gowans has fully recovered from the injury. Although he admits “I’m still trying to get used to running hard again”.

   Coming into the season Gowans hoped to take a full minute off his personal best time last year. Ironically, Gowans spent most of the summer training; something he hadn’t done in previous summers.  Even after the injury he is still fifteen seconds better than his best time last year.

   Gowan’s said that he doesn’t feel like he is behind as much as he expected. “I feel like I just lost a little bit of leg speed. But my stamina is still right where it needs to be.”

   This year Gowan’s is currently ranked seventh in the state.

    Veteran coach Pat Ross was asked how the injury slowed Gowans down this year

     “I believe that James will be able to come back and be just as strong as last year if not better.”

   Ross added, “James is capable of at least another top ten performance this year in states.”

   Gowans finished 8^th last year at the state meet in Wappinger Falls.

    The top five runners of each classification will advance for the Section III meet on November 3^rd.  Top finishers will move on to the state meet on November 10^th in Buffalo.

   Despite missing many of the dual meets this season, Gowans’ teammates have been able to pick up the slack. “We are in contention for first place,” Gowans said.

   The team has been led by Tim Raner, Austin Moore, Eric Hulbert, Andrew Halsey and Ben Harper.

   Gowans plans to go to Cornell to study Environmental Science, and run for the cross country team.