East's three-sport athlete heads to state

As the season changes outside, along with it comes a change in sports for Wade Haworth. The Duluth East junior is a member of the cross country, hockey and track teams at school. A generation or two ago, a three-sport athlete was not unusual, but today, particularly at larger schools like East, three-season athletes are becoming a rare breed.

For Hawaorth, however, the cold weather and snow has not meant a switch to hockey -- not just yet at least.

Haworth, who has been running cross country since eighth grade, is joining his teammates at the Minnesota state cross country meet Saturday, Nov. 1, at St. Olaf College in Northfield.

The Greyhounds finished second at the Section 7AA meet to qualify for state.

"We've been running pretty well," said Haworth about his team. "At state everyone should have their best run."

The Greyhounds are led by senior Pete Klopp, who finished first at the Section 7AA meet and is one of the top runners in the state. "Pete runs pretty well," said Haworth. "He won at sections by outsprinting another runner at the end."

After the state meet, Haworth will set his sights on the upcoming hockey season. "I'm the most excited I've ever been for a season," said Haworth. "I'm excited to play in front of my peers."

There will be plenty of eyes on the Greyhound hockey team this season. After a highly-publicized offseason, the team will begin the season with a new coach.

Todd Wentworth will take over as the varsity coach after spending two seasons as the junior varsity coach and several years as the Duluth East Bantam A coach.

Haworth has been on Wentworth's team for the last three seasons. "He knows me, and he knows my ability," said Haworth about his new coach.

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"A lot of people are going to be watching, and I expect us to do well."

With hockey tryouts beginning on Nov. 17, Haworth has become accustomed to playing sports in school year-round. "Staying active makes the school year go by fast," said Haworth. "It's nice to be busy."

During the summer months, Haworth skates three times a week. During the cross country season he skates very little. "There's not a lot of time to skate in the fall," said Haworth. "Running helps with the conditioning for hockey though."

At the state meet, Haworth hopes to help his team place high by running under 18 minutes. "Last season I think we peaked at sections," said Haworth. "This year, I think we will have our best race at state."

In hockey, Haworth is a defenseman for the Greyhounds. He enjoys a nice hit or setting up a scoring chance just as much as scoring a goal. "For some people it's all about the goals," said Haworth. "I like to start the play that creates the goal."

Haworth's goal for the hockey team is to go to the state tournament and play at the Xcel Energy Center. "I want to be able to play there in front of all those people," said Haworth. "We should have a good team, and I think we can do it."

Haworth feels each sport helps him prepare for the next. "Near the end of each season, I get excited for the next sport," said Haworth. "When hockey comes, I'm mentally ready for it."

The state cross country meet at St. Olaf College will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, in Northfield.