It’s not uncommon for Whitehall cross country runner Aidan Borkenhagen to have ham and cheese sandwich the day of any race at lunchtime.

For Borkenhagen, it is his runner’s ritual.

“I think it works for me,” said the junior. “I have been doing it for a while, and I usually feel good the rest of the day. I know I am getting in my carbs as well.”

This season, Borkenhagen is one of the Zephyrs’ more seasoned runners, as the team lost a number of seniors last season.

Borkenhagen and his teammates will open the season at the DeSales University Centaur Invitational Saturday. Last season, Borkenhagen was the team’s fourth male runner to cross the line at 21.09.

This season, Borkenhagen has worked to build his mileage and best his personal record of 19.21. He has been running over 50 miles a week on average.

“I really wanted run a lot of miles this summer,” said Borkenhagen. “I felt like I have achieved that. I feel pretty good heading into the season.

“It is my goal to break 19 (minutes), and I believe I can get close to 18 (minutes).”

First-year head coach Brandon Hampton, who replaced longtime head coach Mike Lelko, believes Borkenhagen can make his presence felt.

“Aiden is slated to lead our boys’ team this year, and we’re hoping for a strong year from him,” said Hampton. “He’s worked hard over the summer between his running and time in the weight room. He’s been a nice leader for a very young boys’ team, both verbally and leading by example.

“He’s a dedicated kid and carries himself in a respectful manner as well. He finished in the middle of the pack at districts last year, but our staff believes he has a shot to make a name for himself in the league and at districts this year.”

Borkenhagen began running at a young age, as he simply enjoyed running. He competed in the CYO program and raised his workouts to two miles in middle school.

He also has been happy with the new coaching staff.

“It’s exciting to see the new coaches, and they are very positive and supporting,” he stressed. “We learned a lot from the old coaches, and the new ones have carried a lot of things over.

“We lost a lot of guys from last year, and I know I have to be a leader with a lot of young guys on this team. We all feel that we have learned, and we have good chemistry here. We’re anxious to get the season going.

“I have my mileage up to around 55 miles a week.”

Along with running, Borkenhagen began playing the trumpet in fourth grade and he also was a member of the school band.

He likes to have some balance in his life, and he also likes his Ham and Cheese sandwiches before a race.

“It is about staying dedicated to what you want to do,” said Borkenhagen. “I am confident that I can run hard and be successful as well as my teammates this season.”