This week’s Q&A is with senior Alex Yersak, the No. 1 runner for Cherokee High School, ranked No. 2 in runningco.com’s Top 20. Yersak’s three major victories this season have come at the Ocean State Cross Country Invitational in Rhode Island, the Burlington County Open and the Olympic Conference Championships. This Saturday, he will be seeking his third straight South Jersey Group 4 title at Delsea.

How would you describe your season so far?
I think I’m going about this season the right way. The main thing I wanted to do coming into this season was make sure I didn’t peak too early.  I haven’t raced a lot this season because I’m saving my best races for when it counts the most. I’m feeling good now and I’m excited to see what I can do.

How do you feel now that you are about to enter the real championship part of the season?
I’m in great shape and have done some really good workouts to get me ready for the next few weeks. The team atmosphere we have going on right now is really good. We all know that we can really do some great things.

You’ve won the last two South Jersey Group 4 titles. How do you like your chances this Saturday?
I’m pretty confident I can defend my title. But individually, I’m not really gearing up for Saturday. I’m looking to do that at states and the Meet of Champs. This weekend I’m just looking to help the team along as best I can. I want to try and bring Chris (Applegate) and Kevin (Schickling) with me for as long as possible. 

Would you say as a team you guys are the team to beat on Saturday?
We’re not going into the meet thinking about whether we are the favorite or not. We’re heading into the meet knowing that we all want to do really well. Two years ago we were considered the favorite and Washington Township beat us. There’s always something like that that can happen. We’re just going to run our race and concentrate on getting our top seven to finish high in the race.

Do you think you guys are the best Group 4 team in the state?
We want to be the best. But you never know what’s going to happen. We’re just going to think about running our race and not about other teams. We know if we run well that things will fall into place.

What are your individual goals for the next few weeks?
I definitely want to stay with the lead group at the Group 4 state meet. I know it will be difficult, but that’s what I’m looking for. I want to try and stay with Brian (Leung of West Windsor-Plainsboro South) and put myself in a position to run a good race. At the Meet of Champs, I want to do the same thing.

Any particular time you want to run at Holmdel?
I have no time in mind. I just want to help the team as much as possible.

What place can Cherokee get at the Meet of Champions?
It’s really up in the air since there are so many good teams like CBA, Jackson, Old Bridge, Haddonfield and Millburn. It will be a real exciting race and I’m confident we’ll be in the mix.

What would you like people to remember most about your running career?
Probably my determination. Every run I always stay focused. I always make sure to get the work done. Cross country is really a sport you have to put your nose to the grindstone. Working hard is how I’ve been able to achieve what I have.

What has it been like running for coach Steve Shaklee for the past four years?
It’s been a learning experience. Coming out of middle school I thought I knew a lot, but I really didn’t. He’s taught me a lot about doing threshold work and racing. I’m looking forward to continue learning during track season.

-As told to Kevin Cranston