C.J. Duncan runs the ship for Pirates
Running track in middle school, C.J. Duncan had never heard of cross country when he started at Wheatland High School his freshman year. After an older friend of his recruited him to try it out, the natural distance runner was hooked.
“I experimented with a lot of sports like football, but I found that running was something I really enjoyed and was good at,” said Duncan.
The state qualifying senior says he plans to run in college no matter where it may be. He has done a couple of campus visits and research, but has yet to name a final decision.
Throughout the years and seasons, Duncan has had many people influence him and contribute to his accomplishments.
Among them are his mom and dad, Karen and James Duncan. His dad James is currently serving for the military overseas in Iraq. Duncan says both of his parents helped instill his work ethic.
Other than his family and friends, the Wheatland athlete says that he owes most of his success to his coach Brian German.
“He has helped me become who I am, I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for him pushing me to be better everyday,” Duncan said.
The runner to coach relationship has been pretty special through the years.
“CJ to me is the per-
fect athlete. To have the honor to coach someone like him is truly special. He’s honestly the complete package,” German said.
German also said that he has no doubt Dunkin can keep up with running at the next level.
Since freshman year, Duncan has been a role model to others even though he may have been younger.
“Being able to show other runners what they can do if they put in the work that C.J. has is an awesome thing to have available,” German said.
One of Duncan’s favorite memories was at practice when he and his teammates were supposed to eight to twelve 200-meter runs. As he was in the middle of a long recovery, a coach called him out and made a sarcastic comment about how if they were going to take a long recovery they should run about twenty 200-meter runs … so C.J. did just that.
While this year’s state championship meet may not have gone the way Duncan and German had wished, both are looking forward to the upcoming track season.
In track, Duncan usually runs the 400, 800 and 1500-meter races. He plans to keep up the same success this season and will get to work right away before the season starts this spring.
As for the future of the Wheatland track and cross country programs, both German and Duncan hope that others can enjoy how the sport of running can help shape your life.
“I use running as a gateway to help me get my mind off things, whenever something bad might happen during the day it’s a great way to keep my mind off things,” Duncan said.
Wheatland may not have another athlete like Duncan, but he has certainly set the example.