Q-&-A with Q-&-me: A conversation with Western Dubuque distance-running star Quentin Nauman

EPWORTH — The last time we witnessed the greatness of Quentin Nauman, it was the stretch run of the Class 3A boys’ 1,600-meter race at the state track and field meet in May.

Nauman had just passed Des Moines Christian’s Caleb Ten Pas and had the elusive 4-minute benchmark in sight. Earlier that day, he had become the first Iowa high school boy to break the 1:50 barrier in the 800 meters.

Public-address announcer Mike Jay was urging him on, along with thousands of fans below, one collective eye on Nauman, the other on the clock.

A split second of a hush as Nauman crossed, five numerals flashed on the video board: 3:59.60.

Then, delirium.

The echoes of May have faded. Track season has passed. Cross country season has arrived, with Nauman’s first race Saturday at Cedar Rapids Prairie.

Last Tuesday after practice, Nauman — now a senior at Western Dubuque High School — met with The Gazette for a question-and-answer session:

What do you remember about those moments at the end of that 1,600-meter race last spring?

“That was just a blur, man. That was crazy. It was a lot of emotions at one time. That race didn’t play out as I expected. I didn’t expect (Ten Pas) to go out at 59, 2-flat and 3:02.

“I didn’t think sub-4 was possible that day. I remember I passed (Ten Pas) with 200 to go, and I could hear all of the people roaring. I couldn’t even hear Mike Jay. With 200 to go, I think everybody knew what might happen.”

It just seems that nobody can outkick you, out-tough you at the end of a race. How do you explain your kick, and when to use it?

“I’ve always had a kick. When I was a freshman, I loved a sit-and-kick race. If you’re just ahead of me with 200 to go, it’s not going to be a fun race for you.

“If they’re going to play that game, I’m going to play it right back.”

Since last spring, a few media outlets have jumped on the angle of your job at Hy-Vee. Tell me about your responsibilities there.

“I’ve worked in the dairy department at the Hy-Vee on Asbury (Road, in Dubuque) since the winter of 2023. I wanted to pick up a job. There are a lot of Dubuque Hempstead athletes that work there. I (recently) moved my shift from 11 (a.m.) to 5 (p.m.).”

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You have a personal distance coach in Elaina Biechler, a track coach in Tom Jasper and a cross country coach in Mark Digmann. How do you sort out their voices in your training and race strategy?

“Beichler is mostly the one. If I go and hug her after a big race, I think most people think she’s my mother. It’s like, ‘That’s my coach, guys.’

“She’s more than just a coach. She’s basically a second mother. She treats me like every other guy on the team. She really knows what she’s doing.”

Which do you prefer, track or cross country? What is your favorite event to run?

“Track. I love track. My favorite race used to be the 800. Now, I’d have to say it’s the mile.

“One thing the (University of) Oregon coaches said they liked about me is my range.”

What do you do for an encore as a senior? How do you possibly improve on what you did last year?

“Cross country ... I need to bring home another state title. I really want 14:56, the course record by (West Des Moines Dowling’s Jackson) Heidesch (in 2022).

“Fort Dodge is the only real course that matters, because everybody runs on the same course.”

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You have two elite runners on your heels in Ten Pas and Canaan Dunham. What is your relationship like with them, and other rivals?

“This 2026 class is insane. Dunham and I are very tight. A lot of people call it a rivalry. You can call it a rivalry when we’re running, a friendship when we’re done.

“If you have to name a nicest runner in the state, it’s Canaan.

“Ten Pas ... he’s very competitive. He’s a competitor.”

What got you into distance running in the first place? Who were/are your mentors and people you look up to in the running community?

“I played football until sixth grade, then I dropped it during COVID.

“Honestly at the time, I was doing nothing, and I mean nothing. My older sister, Kylie, told me in seventh grade that I should try cross country. I couldn’t finish a 400. I did a little training before my seventh-grade track season, and by the end of the season, I started beating some eighth-graders.”

When you’re not running, there’s a good chance you’ll be found doing what?

“Working is the big one. Talking to friends. I used to do show choir, but running became more competitive, and the main priority.”

What’s it like having become a well-known athlete?

“It’s tough sometimes. I’ve been asked to (autograph) some strange things. Somebody had me sign their pepper spray. Another, a $100 bill. It was kind of fun at the HOKA race last summer, signing for little kids.”

Who was, or is, the runner you look up to?

“Heidesch, for sure. That class of 2023, those guys were insane. They’re the main reason that distance running has gotten more into the limelight.”

After the summer meets, how much time did you take off, and what was your summer training like?

“After Nike Outdoor, I took 10 days off. I laid around a little bit, worked a little more, went for some walks.

“Since then, I’ve been getting my miles in. I was scheduled for 51 this week.”

Your long-term running goals are what?

“I’m pretty focused on one step at a time. If I can go on to make a good living at it, I’ll do it. If there’s not much money to it, all step back and get a regular job. I’d like to coach someday.”

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com