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Mancelona hurdler Adam Duerksen has met all those requirements. The returning Division Four state champion in both hurdle events, Duerksen has begun this season's hunt for two elusive school records.

Current record holder Adam Steuber set the bar a decade ago at 39 seconds flat in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles and 14.46 in the 110-meter high hurdles.

Ê Laying an early-season foundation of workouts indoors, Duerksen is aware of the large bull's-eye on his back, an unavoidable mark after claiming two state titles last season. The hunter will be the hunted, but the senior is confident and currently making preparations for a track and field season where anything can happen.

Slimming down from 175 pounds to 160 pounds, working on efficiency over the hurdle, practicing a faster start out of the blocks and spending time in the weight room, Duerksen is throwing all he has into his final season.

"I'm set to break the school record," he said. "I'm working and I am not going to let up."

Not letting up has served Duerksen well in the past, as his style of running is that of a finisher, according to Ironmen head coach Ron Davis.

Mancelona's former head track coach, Glen Knudstrup, has continued to work with Duerksen over the years to develop his form over the hurdle and improve block starts.

Setting his record-breaking sights on the Traverse City Record Eagle meet scheduled for May 27, Duerksen hopes to use the meet's intense competition to his advantage.

"The top runners in the north are at that meet," he said. "It's the best of the best."

The meet features all open classes, providing athletes fresh competition after a season of class track.

Last summer was another opportunity for fresh competition as Duerksen competed in Australia and Hawaii through a track and field exchange program. Getting a taste of international and NCAA standards, Duerksen ran the 110-meter high hurdles at a height of 42 inches, while handing in a solid time of 56 seconds in the 400-meter hurdles.

Duerksen will have further opportunity to adapt to collegiate hurdle standards next season as he attends Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids. Cornerstone Golden Eagles assistant coach Paul Koutz recruited Duerksen following his junior year.

"The coach had everything to do with it," Duerksen said. "He went right after me."

In the present, goals have been set, practice has become priority and Duerksen is striving to leave his name in white letters on the record board at Mancelona High School.