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<strong>Colorado's Class of 2014 makes their decisions...</strong></p>
Chuck Bisbee won't have to learn many new training trails at Colorado Mesa University. Photo by Paul Jaeger.
Chuck Bisbee's best marks:
1600 meters - 4:36.06 (at altitude)
3200 meters - 9:59.90 (at altitude)
2000 meter steeplechase - 6:10.79
5K cross country - 16:11.90 (at altitude)
Obviously, Colorado Mesa is close to home for you, but what other factors played into making the decision for CMU?
Being able to stay in the Grand Valley was a big factor in my decision. The Western Slope is an awesome place for outdoor enthusiasts and especially for a runner becuase of the huge systems of trails we have to choose from out here! Also CMU has excellent facilities for all of its student athletes to take advantage of, along with a coaching staff that is high energy and very personable. When I visited with the team and coaches, they were a very accepting group and everyone seemed committed to working hard. The program itself is relatively young but has already improved considerably since its start, and I'm excited to help contirbute to that trend!
You dabbled pretty extensively in the steeplechase during the club season here in Colorado. Is it your hope to continue with the steeplechase at Colorado Mesa?
Absolutely! The steeplechase has been a great event for me and has opened the doors to many different opportunities to compete with some to- notch runners. My junior year our track team added Jay Valentine (former DII national. champ in the 3k steeple) to the distance coaching staff and he really opened my eyes to my potential I had in the event and helped me grow in it. With his help I was able to qualify for New Balance Nationals Outdoor in the 2k steeple and place 11th, at which point I realized that I had talent in the event and could pursueit on a collegiate level. Luckily for me, CMU also was looking to expand its steeplechase program!
What do you plan to study at Colorado Mesa?
I plan on studying computer science at CMU.
When it comes right down to it, do you prefer track or cross country?
Cross country, without a doubt. The raw speed involved in track is fun, but being able to forget about the clock and just compete with your team in a cross country race is such an exciting feeling.
Pick a highlight of your high school career to share with us...
This last season at the 5A Region 2 Champs was probably the best race of my life. My goal going into the race was to place in the top 5 and I remember at the mile mark being with Shane Rhodes, Greg Eccher, and Daniel Book, just waiting for them to make a big move. When Shane made his big push I just went for it and told myself to hang on as long as I could and next thing I knew I was sprinting for the finish line behind him. It wasn't the fastest time, and I placed second, but I don't think I will ever forget how pumped I was sprinting towards the finish!
What goals are out there for you keeping the fires burning for your final season of high school track and field?
The CHSAA outdoor season hasn't been too kind to me the last two years, but after a solid winter, and now starting the season healthy, I'm looking forward to going for my school's 3200 meter record (9:45.79) and breaking 4:30 in the mile. More important than that, though, I really want to enjoy my last high school season and finish it in a way which makes me, my family, and my coaching staff proud!
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Each spring, Fruita Monument makes it over to the Front Range for one or two meets. But, if you want to see Bisbee running the steeplechase, that will have to wait until the summer--assuming he does the summer thing one more time. But, his interview does seem suggestive of that possibility...