Ethan Kern Carrying on Kentucky Distance Family Legacy

The year is 2007, the fall weather is beginning to set in as the leaves fall and the air cools. The York High School cross country team in the western suburbs of Chicago is starting to warmup before a workout led by assistant Coach Charlie Kern. Running around the track while his dad coaches the prep runners, is young Ethan Kern, who will one day be able to run as fast, if not faster than the talented York High School runners.

Although Kern’s work ethic is one that coaches look for when recruiting athletes, running fast is also a talent in his blood. Kern grew up around one of the most historic high-school cross country teams in the nation, he was able to see nationally-acclaimed teams and individuals.

“Running was ingrained in me from a young age,” Kern said.

He not only grew up looking up to the well-known York High School cross country and track distance squads, but both of his parents competed on the University of Kentucky cross country and track team during a heyday for the programs. Kern’s father was first-team All-SEC for the 1988 cross country season. Running came naturally to Kern.

After taking an official visit to Kentucky, Kern quickly decided that Lexington was where he wanted to continue his running career. The coaching staff, trainers and team members created an instant connection with him, and with great facilities and amenities offered at UK, he saw an opportunity to succeed.

Kern has been nothing short of great in his time so far at Kentucky.

The sophomore has led UK in every race in which he has competed this season. Most recently, Kern placed 16th (24:02.2) at Southeastern Conference Championships. As a freshman, Kern finished 18th overall at the SEC Cross Country Championships, earning Freshman All-SEC honors.

He had a similar impact during indoor and outdoor track and field for the team. Now, the 19-year-old, Kern has been the Wildcats lead runner.

Kern brings a positive attitude and the right mindset to his UK leadership role as the Wildcats enter postseason.

“Running is just as much mental as it is physical – being mentally tough is a huge part of the sport; a lot of runners do big things right, but the way to set yourself apart is doing the smaller things right as well,” Kern said.

The Wildcats have a great group of guys building the program back to national prominence with Kern playing an important role.

“The biggest goal for me is to run every day and avoid getting hurt. If I can manage this and stay completely healthy, all of my individual goals will fall into place. As for the team, bearing good health, we believe that we can compete for an NCAA berth,” Kern said.

Kern and the Wildcats will host the NCAA D1 Southeast Regional Championships on Friday, November 12 at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer Park in Kentucky.