HARTINGTON, Neb. -- A northeast Nebraska cross country runner is trying to stake his claim as the best boy's runner in state history.

Carson Noecker goes to school at Cedar Catholic but runs for Hartington-Newcastle's cross country team in the fall, since Cedar Catholic does not have a cross country squad. Noecker is trying to become the first boy ever in the state of Nebraska to win four-straight individual cross country state championships. Three girls -- Geneva's Amber Fairbanks, Hastings' Shona Jones and Lincoln North Star's Jeralyn Poe -- have won four individual titles. Noecker is only the fourth boy to ever claim three straight titles.

Noecker said he hopes in the future more guys will put themselves in the same position that he's in at the moment with a chance at history.

“It’s just one of those things that you just gotta truly be happy with how each and every week goes,” said Noecker. “When you get to state, whatever happens, happens. To win four that’ll be pretty cool but I truly have nothing to complain about. I got a lot to be thankful for.”

Noecker was recently in California competing in races with some of the top runners in the country and Noecker showed out.

He finished in the top three and became just one of three runners to run under 14 minutes in race history.

He said it was an unbelievable experience.

“There was a lot of firsts for me going out there,” he said. “Ride a plane. See the ocean. It was kinda cool. I just went in that race knowing that it’s going to be one of those once-in-a-lifetime things that you get to probably do. It was pretty special that I got to go out there with my team.”

Faith is a huge part of what drives him on and off the course. His coaches say his humility is a key trait for Noecker.

“I’ve got a lot to be thankful for,” he said. “I got many gifts and talents. I got to be thankful to God for that. Many times I struggle to wonder really how I’ve been given the ability to go this far.”

Noecker goes to the faith-based school of Cedar Catholic but runs for a public school with Hartington- Newcastle.

He said he had no issues acclimating himself in a different environment.

“I wouldn’t say it’s really any different,” said Noecker. “I say I know majority of the kids over there. I think it works good.”

With the season winding down, Noecker said he wants himself and his teammates to keep pushing forward and continue to get better.

“Stay consistent,” he said. “[I] want to lead the team to do great things as the season ends.”

With Noecker being a senior, he said he’s looking to run at the next level. He said he’s most likely looking to stay close to home.

“I think it’s just important to stay local,” he said. “You got all those people that are watching you. It’s one of those things you like to stay where they support you.”

Wherever he decides to go to school, he said he wants to study something agriculture-related.

Noecker will have a chance to go in the record books on Oct. 21 in Kearney where the State Championships have been hosted for the past 50 years.