In the small town of North Wales, a small kid began his journey in running at the age of eight. His dad put him on the track and introduced running to him as he claims to be his biggest inspiration.

“My dad really introduced me to running and I am thankful for that,” Justin Landis expressed.

Justin experienced many ups and downs throughout his running journey but one found memory that always stays so dear to him: going to states for both cross country and track.

“Traveling to states every year and being able to stay out at a hotel or a dorm in Shippensburg or whatever it is, it’s just very fun.” the senior expressed

It is expected that the team really became like a close knit during this time the runner explains how he believes it was a much necessary need.

“We’re so close like a family, such a tight-knight group of guys,” Landis said.

He developed a significant amount from his freshman to senior year and Michael Werner, his cross country coach, really saw the development of Justin as an individual.

“My favorite moment of Justin throughout the four years was his junior year at states and he took eighth place!” Coach Werner exclaimed.

Justin has developed his leadership throughout the years and something Coach Werner  saw Justin develop from the beginning of his high school running days.

Joey Sharkey, who was a teammate for him for the four years on the grass and as well on the oval, describes Justin in a similar fashion.

“Justin is a strong leader who has helped the team stay focused on our goals,”  Sharkey explained.

Landis explained how he wants to shift his focus after high school running to Penn State because that is where he believes it was the right fit for him.

“The facilities are amazing and when I stepped foot onto the campus I felt right at home,” Landis explained.

Despite all the difficulties Justin has faced, it is hard to neglect the achievements he has had on the way. Winning a state title and other hardware, as well as remembering how important it is to leave something that people can build off of for many people to come.