Sam Naffziger is a junior at Summit and is going to be a big part of what Summit hopes is a run at the Class 5A boys cross country state title. Naffziger’s sixth place finish at the Pre-District meet put him as the No. 2 Summit runner and the 4th fastest in league. He answered a few questions for Central Oregon Athlete.

Central Oregon Athlete – How long have you lived in Bend?
Sam Naffziger – I have lived in bend for about 14 years.

COA – How long have you been running competitively?
SN – I started running competitvely when i was 8 or 9.

COA – What got you into racing?
SN – I would always go watch my grandpa run, what really got convinced to race was when I went and watched my grandpa finish the western states 100 mile run.

COA – What is your favorite part of running XC?
SN – Every thing is fun about XC, the bus rides are a lot of fun as well as the races.

COA – Do you play any sports other than XC?
SN – Right now i just do XC and track but i have probably played just about every sport.

COA – What do you like to do when you aren’t playing sports?
SN – I really like to travel and hang out with my friends.

COA – What are your goals for this XC season?
SN – My goal is for the boys team to win state.

COA – What is your favorite workout in Central Oregon?
SN – My favorite workout would either have to be going 1000 repeats in juniper park or runnning the green lakes trail.

Career highlights:
(District placing, State placing, PR)
2009 – 20th, 56th, 17:12 (4th fastest ever by a Summit sophomore)
2008 – (1st in JV race), 72nd, 17:57