Catasauqua’s Blake Reed didn’t always see cross country in his future.

The Catasauqua sophomore had a deep lineage in wrestling. His father, Jonathan was a Rough Rider wrestler and eventually became their head coach. Older brother Evan was a successful wrestler for the Roughies, and twin brother, Lucas, also has followed the family trail on the mats.

This past winter, Blake compiled an overall 7-12 record wrestling anywhere from 113 to 127 pounds.

However, last fall, Blake and Lucas decided to follow their older brother and joined the Roughies’ cross country team. His personal and season best was 17:52.

“I started running to condition for wrestling and ended up being good at it,” recalled Reed. “I see myself as a runner just trying to get better every day and the role I see myself playing is just working hard at practice and helping teammates and Evan did help me get interested in running.”

Reed doesn’t see cross country as much of a mental sport as wrestling.

“I don’t see it as mental as wrestling,” said Reed. “It can be as physical as wrestling with running. But with wrestling, you have to think and plot your moves. At the end of your race, you have to have a strategy.”

Head coach Kyle Rusnock has watched Reed develop last year.

“He was running hard, and he began to lower his times,” said Rusnock. “He has had a good summer, and we expect him to really make an impact.”

Reed also has a good feeling about his upcoming season.

“I feel I have been running good this summer,” said Reed. “I have been running for about two years, and I feel like I have made progress. I have worked on my endurance to be more consistent.”