Alden High School’s standout distance runner, Gage Feider, is gearing up for the Section 6 state meet in the 3200-meter race, where he is seeded in the middle of the pack. Known for his unwavering dedication and resilience, Gage has trained rigorously under all conditions, from sweltering heat to snowy days, without a single complaint.

“Gage is one of those kids that every coach wants to coach because you never get a complaint and you always get the best performance out of him when he runs,” said coach Nancy Bennett.

This season, Gage has been driven by a strong support system, including his two brothers, who constantly push him to excel. His coach highlighted the camaraderie and competitive spirit within the distance team, which has been instrumental in Gage’s success. “The distance team this year was just awesome. They really led the way,” the coach added.

At the ECICs, Gage’s determination was evident as he narrowly missed the state qualifying time by a third of a second. However, his perseverance paid off at sectionals, held on their home track. Despite facing a formidable competitor from East Aurora, Gage secured second place with a state-qualifying time of 9:36, well below the required 9:42. His brother Evan also achieved a state-qualifying time, showcasing the exceptional talent within the family.

“We’re really proud of him,” said his coach. “But a lot of credit also goes to not only his brothers but some of our other distance runners like Adam Pruetz and Anthony Kudla. The team is really cohesive, all the way from cross country season, just pushing each other and continuing to fight for more and more.”

As Gage heads to the state meet, the entire Alden High School community stands behind him, celebrating his hard work, dedication, and the strong bonds that have propelled him to this point. His journey is a testament to the power of teamwork and perseverance in the face of challenges.