Thana Hussein
Rosemount senior Thana Hussein would like her last hurrah to be at the Class 2A girls' track state meet. It's not that "crazy" of an idea.
Hussein was a member of Rosemount's 4x400-meter relay squad that was the state runner-up a year ago. The quartet finished in 3:52.34, just more than a second behind Hopkins' all-time state meet record time of 3:51.26.
She knows it will take plenty of hard work to get back to the state meet, but it also won't come without plenty of laughter and fun along the way.
Hussein, who also ran cross-country for the Irish, is headed to North Dakota State University, where she plans to major in a field related to math. She is undecided about running track in college.
Here is a closer look at Hussein:
The best movie I've seen in the last year? NOT "The Hunger Games."
Three words my friends or teammates might use to describe me? Funny; outgoing; crazy!
How do you balance school and sports during the year? On a scale.
How did you get started running cross-country and track? My older brother (Obai Hussein) ran cross-country and track and it looked like fun, so I followed in his footsteps.
At my first varsity practice, I felt ... intimidated, but welcome.
What is your favorite meal before a meet? Spaghetti and meatballs.
To get focused for a meet, I ... usually dance because it helps me get pumped and it entertains my teammates.
I know I have an edge on an opponent when ... they are 10 meters behind me.
Who is your school's biggest rival, and why? For our school it's Eastview High School, and I honestly do not know why. For me it's Prior Lake because not only are they fast, but they're super pretty and nice.
What did you work on in the offseason? My beach bod.
What is your goal for this track season? Make it back to the state track and field meet!
What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete? Competing at the state track and field and state cross-country meets. Also, just goofing around with my teammates.
If you could change one thing about high school sports, what would it be? Silly rules such as having to have matching Under Armor (clothing) as your relay teammates, and not being allowed to wear multicolored head bands.
When you have time off, what do you like to do? Travel, hang out with friends and just relax.
In 10 years, I hope I'm ... filthy rich.
Do you have a secret talent -- and if so, what is it? I can do a one-handed cartwheel, I speak Arabic fluently, I can dougie with one arm, and I can make a clover with my tongue.
What is the best sports advice you ever received? 1. Everyone can run 100 meters; it is the last 1,500 that count; 2. Turn left; 3. Right foot, left foot, right foot, left foot ...
RON HAGGSTROM