Ep. 178 - The Story of the WA 3A XC Runner-Up | Washington's Next State Champion: Leroy Lozano Meija

In 2025, Hermiston High’s Leroy Lozano Mejia quietly became someone the Washington distance scene could no longer ignore.The sophomore entered the fall as a sleeper and left it with authority. Built on patience and aerobic strength, he doesn’t chase attention. He shows up, does the work, and lets races speak for him.After running 15:36 and finishing 11th at the 3A state meet as a freshman, Leroy took a clear step forward in his sophomore cross-country season. He won the Battle of the 509 Invitational in Spokane against a strong field. He followed that with a fourth-place finish at Nike Hole in the Wall, running 14:55 on one of the most honest courses in the country. By November, the progression was undeniable. At the Washington 3A State Championships, he finished runner-up in 15:10. From 11th to second in one year. Built slowly. Earned daily.But the story isn’t just about results. On the track, the contrast is still there. A 9:15 3200 shows real strength. A 4:23 mile leaves space to grow. And instead of running from that tension, Leroy leans into it.In this episode of The Sunday Shakeout, we talk about discipline as a daily choice, not a personality trait. About backing words with actions. And about the strange truth runners don’t always admit — that pain, when chosen, can become addictive.Tap into the Leroy Lozano Mejia Special. If you enjoy the podcast, follow The Sunday Shakeout on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and leave a five-star review.