Guzman, Rump wrap up senior years in style

DES MOINES – Avery Rump says she runs her best races when she’s happy.
From the look on her face after finishing the 1500-meter run at Saturday’s finals at the Iowa High School Track and Field Championships, she was ecstatic.
Rump ran a 4:42.8, her fastest time ever in the event, and took home 6^th place in her final event of her high school career. She crossed the finish line with hands extended in the air – a personal celebration and an exhale from a decade of hard work.
The senior Bloodhound competed at three events at state this year, one was the 4x800 relay with her sister Addison, the other two were the 3000 and the Distance Medley.
Fellow senior and classmate Nolan Guzman also competed in three events and finished his high school career on Saturday with a 1:57.60 in the open 800. He got caught up in some contact about 150 meters into the race on turn two, but didn’t hold a grudge.
“It’s state racing. Dudes just want it super bad,” he said.
“They cut in a little bit and I stepped on a heel and stumbled, but I can battle through that.”
Guzman said he’s not too emotional about this being the final time in Des Moines as a senior. He competed in the high jump at the Drake Relays earlier this year and has been at the state meet the last three. He said he hopes he left a mark for those behind him.
“As long as I had an impact on everyone below me, my community, my friends, my family, I won. It doesn’t matter what the time says,” he said.

Rump had an equal reaction to her last days on the Bloodhound track squad.
“I went out thinking this is my final race of my high school season. I gotta make it count and I gotta run happy. That’s how I run my best races, when I’m happy. Whatever happens, happens. I’m going to do it for myself,” she said.
But she said the sentiment of running for the final time in high school with her teammates and with a couple other girls from Washington added to the value of the day.
“It has been emotional. I’m 100% going to miss this - especially at the blue oval. This will be my last time here probably. It’s been a dream come true to be able to do what I’ve been able to these past four years.
“I’ve known these girls for so long and they are some of the best people I’ve met in my life. They are truly some of my favorite people.”
Rump said it’s unlikely that she will run competitively again as she wants to focus on her college education, but she said running will remain a part of her life.
“I think my competitive running years are behind me. I’m going to focus on my education, but I’m going to continue to run on my own to stay fit and just have fun.”
Both Guzman and Rump will graduate from Fort Madison Jr./Sr. High School on Saturday. Guzman will then head off to St. Ambrose where he is planning on continuing his track career as a decathlete.
“That will be fun and I’m excited for what the future holds. Those will be long days, but hopefully it will all be worth it.”