By: Nathan Bloechl — nathanb@977thebolt.com
Des Moines, Iowa — If you’re lucky enough to get one person through to an event at State, you’re pleased. To get two through? Well that’s a whole new level.
But that’s exactly the case for the super speedy duo of Humboldt’s Jamison Heinz and Denny Pedersen. Pedersen the elder statesman of the duo marvels at the youthful athleticism Heinz naturally displays. Heinz watches in awe of his elder who provides sound leadership both an and off the track.
“It’s great” said Heinz after being asked what it meant to share the track with Pedersen at state. “Denny and I have been pushing each other all year.”
That comes on the heels of Heinz and Pedersen battling things out again last year, where Heinz said he got the best of Pedersen. This year, he admits, it’s been flip flopped.
“I think going back to last year, I was a bit faster than him most races, this year.. he’s got me. It’s great to see and he’s awesome to compete against” said Heinz.
Pedersen laughed off Heinz’s comment but similarly agreed that the competition has only helped him this season — and while Heinz won’t be competing in the 3A 200m finals on Saturday while Pedersen will, Denny wasn’t shy to say that he owes a lot to Heinz this season.
“It’s so great to have another teammate out there and be able to push each other in every race” explained Pedersen.
Denny has been the consummate teammate this season and Heinz has taken notice. Pedersen ran in multiple relays at state qualifying in an effort to help “qualify more of his teammates” according to his head coach Greg Wickett.
“He’s a good one to follow” Heinz said of his fellow teammate. “He’s somebody I model, he’s a great runner, and I’d obviously love to trace in his footsteps.”
Pedersen sees otherwise, he sees Heinz making a new footprint, on his path — where that goes his up to him.
“[Jamie’s] got such a bright future out here running, he’s just so natural. I think he’ll be a strong force in the next couple of years.”
Heinz finished with an official 22.89 while Pedersen ran 22.78. Pedersen will run in Saturday’s 200m final at approximately 2:00 p.m.