Like many of his peers, Xander Nielsen joined FFA when he was in the eighth grade. Now a junior at Mooreland High School, Nielsen is not only an active member of the FFA chapter, but he also competes in cross country.
“I started competing in cross country when I was in the seventh grade,” said Nielsen.
When competing at the varsity level, the terrain and competition varies at every meet. For Nielsen, staying focused is the key to a good run and finish. Competing in shooting events with FFA requires another type of focus.
“When I run, I try to stay up with the lead pack and think about how good the food is going to taste after, and in shooting I think of a song in my head to drown out the random thoughts,” said Nielsen.
As a member of the FFA chapter, Nielsen is involved in shooting events such as trap shooting, and he participates in livestock judging. Nielsen is looking toward life after high school and what that will look like for the next chapter of life.
“I want to go to college get a bachelor’s degree, and then become a pilot,” said Nielsen.
Nielsen said his father has introduced him to many things that he enjoys today including hunting, fishing and going to the lake. Away from school, Nielsen said he loves that he can hang out with his teammates and classmates, whether it’s going bowling or to the movies.
