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<strong>Colorado's Class of 2014 makes their decisions...</strong></p>
Liam Meirow is Colorado's 2013 4A state cross country champion. Colorado Track XC file photo.
Liam Meirow's best marks:
800 meters - 1:55.90
1500 meters - 4:04.36
Mile - 4:18.76
5K cross country - 15:29.8 (at altitude)
Tell us about what drew you to Oklahoma, the school, the program, the coaching, anything that factored in...
Oklahoma was the first school to contact me by telephone. Speaking with a Division I coach for the first time was such a rewarding experience. Oklahoma was also my first official visit, so they set the bar extremely high for the other schools I visited. The #1 factor why I chose this school is because of Coach Jason Dunn. I have so much respect for him and the way he recruits, develops athletes, and converses with honesty and potential. The facilities, new dormitory hall, and academic excellence were just an extra I am not afraid of change, given that Summit County and Norman, Oklahoma, are on opposite ends of the spectrum weather wise. I believe training at sea level--well,1,171 feet--after living and running at 9300 feet for eight years will provide me with amazing benefits.
What's your planned major at OU, or is it too soon to say yet?
I have looked at both architecture, particularly interior design, and exercise physiology/ kinesiology. I know, completely different subjects. I will start off with the exercise science and see where it leads me.
You've done well at a lot of distances, and in both track and cross country. What's your favorite race, and why?
I don't have a favorite race. Once the gun goes off, it doesn't matter if I am running an obstacle course or a 10k, I am just severely competitive. I believe in order to be a great distance runner in high school, one has to be very versatile. You could say during track, I base my training off of the 1600m.
Last year, you opted out of the CHSAA-sanctioned outdoor season. Is that on the table again for this spring or will we be seeing you at track meets this spring?
I'll be running CHSAA outdoor this year! Certain situations that were present last year have been resolved. Although I sacrificed competing in the state meet last year, I believe running independently was the best decision for me as a junior.
Do you have any specific goals for the remaining time you have left as a high schooler?
Specific? Of course, but those will be apparent during the championship season of outdoor.
When do you shut down the competition and just start training for cross country in the fall?
In the past, I have began to narrow my focus on the 5K after my last track race, which was June 25th last year. I have not made plans for exactly what I will be doing after the state meet in May. The Brooks PR meet is moved to June 21st this year, so if i get invited, I will extend my season until then.
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For those living along the Front Range who want to see Liam race--or race against him--the good news is that Summit routinely makes visits to the Front Range during track season. And, a few of those should produce some nice matchups. And, of course, everyone comes to Lakewood for the state meet in May.
It will be fun to discern at least of few of this young man's goals as the season progresses. For now, though, he's already shown well indoors a couple of times at 800 meters.