After Sensational Season, Sage Ponders Next Move Post-St. Michael

If anyone ever had any questions about Brendan Sage's drive, all they have to do is look at the photos from last year's track and field season. 

Sage, in one of his most important races of the season, put on a kick in the conference championships that propelled him to a win in the two-mile. He'd go one to win both that and place third in the mile run, and then better that feat in the Section Championships in both races in the 5-2A meet.

All while , his inspiration in more than one race, died earlier that year.

This fall, Sage was among the best STMA cross country has ever seen. He won several meets, kicked his way to another conference title, and picked up the Section 8-2A championship. To top it off, he exceeded his own goal, grabbing a Top 10 finish at the State AA meet last October after placing 25th last season.

"It's been a great fall. It's hard to think it's the last season," Sage said. "I'll have track, but cross-country has been really fun."

The skinny Sage has a stellar stride, and has emerged after just picking up the sport early in his high school years. He, unlike many cross-country standouts, wasn't a runner through junior high.

"Really, (recent grad) Matt Einyck was the one who got me going. He got a lot of us into it," Sage said. "He was a great leader."

This year, Sage played the role of leader for a team that won a couple of meets, including Milaca. The boys were second in the conference, and third at the section meet.

Leading the way, both by example and with his runs, was Sage.

"He's really a guy that just keeps coming on," said head coach Gregg Greeno. "He has what it takes."

Sage said he enjoys the legendary coach's leadership in practice each week.

"He keeps it fun, for all of us. It can be a long grind, especially when it gets colder. He keeps us going."

As for what happens next, Sage isn't sure. He's fielding offers from schools at the Division II level, and even smaller Division I schools. He's still running, recently getting a Top 20 finish at the Nike Regionals, beating several Minnesota runners in the process.

"I'm going to enjoy the rest of senior year and see what happens," he said.