Go out fast and try to maintain the pace was her modus operandi.

"My freshman year in cross country, I didn't understand how to tactfully run a race," said Funk, who transferred to City High from West Des Moines Valley before her freshman track season. "I went out fast. I didn't know any better."

But Little Hawks assistant coaches Tom Mittman and Steve Sherwood, who work with the distance runners, did.

"Tom and Steve controlled my pace early on and I had an extra kick at the end," Funk said.

"You can have talent, but you don't win unless you race smart."

A strong work ethic doesn't hurt, either. Former City High standout and current University of Wisconsin sophomore Michelle Lilienthal helped in that area.

Last summer, Lilienthal and Funk ran together during City High's summer workouts.

"She showed me through her example how hard you have to work," said Funk, a sophomore. "She's an amazing runner. She's someone who doesn't come along every year. What she did at City High was a direct product of her hard work."

Race strategy, plus work ethic, plus talent equaled a fabulous Drake Relays for Funk.

On Thursday, Funk, who said her name was synonymous with second place in major competitions, got a monkey off her back by winning the 3,000-meter run in 9 minutes 56.31 seconds -- the fourth-fastest winning time in meet history.

However, she didn't settle for one title. Two days later, Funk ran on the third leg on City High's 3,200 relay team, which won in 9:25.35 on a cold, rainy day.

"It's exciting to be a two-time champion," Funk said. "Even if you're a state champion, you might not be the best in the state overall. To say you won the Drake Relays means you're the best, period."

But can Funk be the best distance runner ever at City High? That would be quite an accomplishment considering who she would have to unseat.

Lilienthal's school records in the 1,500 (4:34.01) and 3,000 (9:47.53) are all-time Iowa bests. She also won Drake Relays titles in the 3,000 in 1999 and 2000.

At last year's state meet, Funk ran 4:41.64 in the 1,500 and 9:54.91 in the 3,000.

"Her records are amazing," Funk said. "They're something I want to shoot for in the future. If I get them, great. If not, it's not the end of the world."

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