Gabe Hanson and Tyler Wahl

BISMARCK – Sometimes competing in one fall sport is just not enough. Sometimes being a difference maker in one sport isn’t enough, either.

Meet Bismarck High seniors Gabe Hanson and Tyler Wahl. 

When they’re not running down balls on the tennis court during week days, they are running past the competition at cross country meets on the weekends. 

The two are a vital part of both programs.

“They aren’t afraid to work,’’ said Demon CC coach Scott Reichenberger. “Runners aren’t successful unless they develop a great work ethic and learn to be self-disciplined…Both of them understand that.”

A typical week starts with cross country practice on Monday afternoon which includes a 50-minute workout before catching the second half of tennis practice. Tuesday is often a tennis dual followed by a five-mile run later that night. Wednesday includes practice/ training for both sports. Thursday is a repeat of Tuesday with a dual match and a long run. Fridays are spent at cross country practice preparing for a meet. Saturday is race day and Sunday offers time for a long run and some hitting drills with tennis teammates.

Balancing the two sports requires supportive and understanding head coaches and Hanson said they have two of those in BHS’ tennis coach Justin Zainhofsky and Coach Reichenberger.

“Both are very flexible and supportive,’’ Wahl adds. “They know each sport is important (to us).”

Wahl has played in the Demon tennis program for six years and has been running cross country for two seasons. Hanson, meanwhile, has been involved in both sports longer.

Coach Zainhofsky only sees the pair on the tennis court, but judging by their effort and focus, he’s not surprised it’s carried over to success in cross country. Not everyone can balance the rigors of competing in two sports at a high level, but they can, he adds. They are students of the game  and always look for ways to improve. And not surprisingly, do well in the classroom.

Bismarck High has been known to produce high-level student-athletes over the years who have gone on to achieve success beyond high school. And many of those, Zainhofsky said, were also multi-sport athletes. Tyler and Gabe are just the latest.

Last season Wahl and Hanson both earned all-state honors in cross country while also qualifying for the state individual tournament. 

Wahl admits tennis is his favorite of the two, since he’s played it the longest.  He enjoys the mental aspect of the game, figuring out where to place shots and put his opponent in a disadvantage. “It’s like a chess match and you have to use a lot of strategy.”

Wahl is a patient player on the court and doesn’t make many mistakes. He can endure long rallies.

With any activity there are highs and lows and that can occur on the court. Some days things are going well and other days it can be a struggle, Wahl admits. The key is managing the highs and lows. 

When Wahl is on the cross country course, mental toughness is also essential. It’s important to maintain good form and focus in the middle of the race to when fatigue can creep in. 

His finishing kick his is strong suit on the course, saying he is at his best over the last 800 meters of a 5,000 meter race.

Wahl has set a goal of placing in the top five in both sports this fall. An ambitious goal that will require mental toughness. And if anyone has the mental toughness to pull it off, it’s Tyler.

Hanson said he doesn’t have a clear-cut favorite sport. He strives to do as well as he can in both. 

He admits the mental roadblocks of sports can be challenging. And something he continues to work through. “It’s easy to get frustrated when missing a close shot or losing a tight point. Or, when someone passes you in the middle of the race,’’ he said. “Rising above that is challenging.”

One way that helps Hanson out of those moments is remembering to be a good teammate.

“Helping my teammates out by being supportive and positive is a way that lifts me out of those funks,’’ he said. 

Hanson also set a goal to earn all-state honors in cross country as well as see the Demons win a state CC team title. In tennis, helping his team qualify for the state dual tournament is a goal as well as returning to the state individual tournament.

As much as the two have excelled individually, being part of a team has always been important to the two. “I cherish my time with my teammates, Wahl said. “It’s about being part of a group as well as competing individually.”

Hanson agrees.

 “Throughout the years, I have had the opportunity to meet so many great people,’’ 

While time in both sports in nearing an end, both said they are trying to soak it in and enjoy the final few weeks of competition.

“They never shy away from competition,’’ Reichenberger said. “So many athletes would be afraid to take a chance and be highly competitive at two sports. But these guys have the right attitudes to make it happen!”

Photo: Gabe Hanson (left) and Tyler Wahl