In the final episode of season 1 of Pending Ratification, Epworth Western Dubuque (IA) senior Quentin Nauman talks with host Keenan Gray on his journey from a good runner to one of the best distance runners in high school history. Nauman shares what it means to succeed and the support he has in Iowa, his early struggles with running, working a job at Hy-Vee, his passion for music and show choir, and his love for video games.

Nauman became the fastest junior miler of all-time this past track season running 3:58.65 at HOKA Festival of Miles, while also winning the mile at Nike Outdoor Nationals.

Follow Nauman on Instagram at @therealquentinnauman and his running accomplishments on Athletic.

Pending Ratification offers an in-depth look at the stars of track and field and cross country. Hosted by Keenan Gray, the series moves beyond race results and records to explore the experiences, perspectives, and personal stories that shape the athletes at the center of the sport.

Find Pending Ratification on RunnerSpace.com, AthleticTV, youtube.com/runnerspace and your favorite podcast platforms like Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of Pending Ratification, host Keenan Gray chats with Mercer Island (WA) junior Sophia Rodriguez. Accomplished not only in cross country and track, but also trail running, Rodriguez shares her experiences in that side of the sport and the challenges of transitioning back to high school races. In addition, Rodriguez touches on her passion for podcasting, moving to a different state and changing teams, and her love for cooking.

Rodriguez finished eighth at Nike Cross Nationals in 2024, following that performance up with a track season full of personal bests, including a 4:46.14 PB in the mile and a 10:07.83 PB in the two mile.

Follow Rodriguez on Instagram at @sophiaa.rodriguezzz and her running accomplishments on Athletic.

Pending Ratification offers an in-depth look at the stars of track and field and cross country. Hosted by Keenan Gray, the series moves beyond race results and records to explore the experiences, perspectives, and personal stories that shape the athletes at the center of the sport.

Find Pending Ratification on RunnerSpace.com, AthleticTV, youtube.com/runnerspace and your favorite podcast platforms like Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

In the fourth episode of Pending Ratification, Minnetonka (MN) senior Sean Fries talks with host Keenan Gray about his transition from swimming to running and how competitive swimming has helped his grow as an athlete and stoke his competition fire. Fries also shares about his passion for pickleball, the support of his family in both sport and academics, and why he’s looking forward to the Olympic Games being hosted in Los Angeles in 2028.

Fries placed ninth at the Foot Locker Cross Country Championships in 2024, while owning PRs of 4:11.46 in the 1600m and 8:57.74 in the 3200m.

Follow Fries on Instagram at @sean_fries and his running accomplishments on Athletic.

Pending Ratification offers an in-depth look at the stars of track and field and cross country. Hosted by Keenan Gray, the series moves beyond race results and records to explore the experiences, perspectives, and personal stories that shape the athletes at the center of the sport.

Find Pending Ratification on RunnerSpace.com, AthleticTV, youtube.com/runnerspace and your favorite podcast platforms like Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

In the third episode of Pending Ratification, host Keenan Gray talks with Webb School of Knoxville (TN) seniors Calysta and Jazzlyn Garmer. In the conversation, the duo discuss their unique bond they share as twins, how social media can be a powerful tool for athletes, unique travel experiences, their transition from soccer to running, and the challenges they face as young athletes.

Calysta owns PRs of 10:01.55 in the 3200m and 4:49.59 in the mile, while Jazzlyn holds PRs of 10:05.87 in the 3200m and 4:51.01 in the mile.

You can follow Calysta Garmer on Instagram at @calysta.running and her performances on Athletic. Fans can follow Jazzlyn Garmer on Instagram at @jazz.runz and her running accomplishments on Athletic. 

Pending Ratification offers an in-depth look at the stars of track and field and cross country. Hosted by Keenan Gray, the series moves beyond race results and records to explore the experiences, perspectives, and personal stories that shape the athletes at the center of the sport.

Find Pending Ratification on RunnerSpace.com, AthleticTV, youtube.com/runnerspace and your favorite podcast platforms like Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

In this second episode of Pending Ratification, Belen Jesuit Prep (FL) junior Marcelo Mantecon talks with host Keenan Gray, discussing his hobbies outside of the sport, his family’s athletic background, the balance between academics and sports, and the rigorous training regimen he follows. Mantecon reflects on his inspirations, including superheroes, and the importance of resilience in overcoming challenges.

Mantecon placed 15th as a sophomore at the 2024 Nike Cross Nationals and entered the 2025 fall season as the top-ranked junior in the country. Mantecon owns PRs of 4:07.28 for 1600m and 8:49.99 for 3200m.

You can follow Mantecon on Instagram at @marcelo.mantecon and keep tabs on his accomplishments at Athletic.

Pending Ratification offers an in-depth look at the stars of track and field and cross country. Hosted by Keenan Gray, the series moves beyond race results and records to explore the experiences, perspectives, and personal stories that shape the athletes at the center of the sport.

Find Pending Ratification on RunnerSpace.com, AthleticTV, youtube.com/runnerspace and your favorite podcast platforms like Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

In this inaugural episode of Pending Ratification, host Keenan Gray interviews Addison (Addy) Ritzenhein, a senior at Niwot High School. The conversation explores Addy's journey through high school, what she likes to do with her friends, her love for water activities and travel, and her experiences in music. They discuss her defining moment as an athlete thus far, her future plans at Northern Arizona University, and the unique perspective she has gained from being the daughter of a coach.

Ritzenhein is the 2023 Nike Cross Nationals individual champion, where she led her squad to the national team title, placed fifth at the 2024 Nike Cross Nationals, and owns PRs of 4:42.56 in the mile and 9:52.64 in the two mile.

You can follow Ritzenhein on Instagram at @addy_ritzenhein and keep tabs on her accomplishments at Athletic.

Pending Ratification offers an in-depth look at the stars of track and field and cross country. Hosted by Keenan Gray, the series moves beyond race results and records to explore the experiences, perspectives, and personal stories that shape the athletes at the center of the sport.

Find Pending Ratification on RunnerSpace.com, AthleticTV, youtube.com/runnerspace and your favorite podcast platforms like Spotify & Apple Podcasts.