Interviewed by Hannah Evans (Class of 2027)
Edited by Genna Short (Class of 2027)
As we begin the 2026-27 academic year at Onekama Consolidated Schools, the time has arrived to spotlight members of our senior class of 2027. Today, senior Journalism student Hannah Evans has conducted an interview with senior cross country athlete Carter Blumenschein.
Do you regret not starting cross country your freshman year?
Yes, I think I would be way faster if I started earlier.
What are your plans after high school?
I would like to get a job and start working immediately or I would enjoy going to college for architecture.
What is your main goal as a senior?
I want to have a fun year and hopefully graduate with good grades.
Are you going to try any new sports or clubs this year?
Maybe try basketball and be a baller.
Are you excited that this is your final year of school at Onekama?
I'm excited that this is my last year, but I wish I could get one more year of cross country.
If you could give advice to your younger self, what would you say?
Join cross country earlier, stop using AI for everything, and focus on your grades.
What is your favorite thing about cross country?
I really like to PR and see how I'm improving. Also, I like getting to leave school early for my meets.
What are some lessons you have learned as a student-athlete?
I learned to keep up with my grades, because if I fell behind, I would get put on probation.
What is one good thing you will be taking away from cross country this year?
I learned a lot of leadership skills being the only older boy on the team.
How has your experience as a senior been so far?
It has been fun, and so far, I have not had a lot of schoolwork.
Which teacher do you look up to the most?
Mr. Bromley. He encouraged me to join cross country. Also, I enjoy his strengthening and conditioning class as it helped me get into shape.
Thank you for being our first senior spotlight of the 2026-27 school year, Carter! Check out our cross country round-up this week to see how our Portager runners have been progressing this season.