Rocky Mountain's Messerli becomes a Mountaineer

<p style="text-align: center;"> <strong>Colorado&#39;s Class of 2014 makes their decisions...</strong></p>

David Messerli has found a new level of racing in his senior year. Colorado Track XC file photo.

 

David Messerli's best marks:

1600 meters - 4:31.37 (at altitude)

3200 meters - 10:28.91 (at altitude)

5K cross country - 16:07.0 (at altitude)

 

Tell us a little about your decision to sign with Western State. What drew you to the school, the program, and what do you plan to study there?
 
My decision to sign with Western was not very hard after my visit. I have been looking at many different schools, in-state and out-of-state, but this one really grew on me the more I looked into it. The coaches and team were great, which was a major influential factor for signing. It seemed like the perfect fit for me. As for what I plan to study, I am still undecided.
 
Your senior year has been something of a breakthrough for you. Everyone is in search of that elusive breakthrough kind of year, what came together that made it happen in your case?
 
I would have to give credit to all of my coaches so far for all the support and care they've given me. I had mono during the summer which, in my eyes, gave me a bit of a break and also a ton of motivation to come back stronger than ever. I felt like my training was solid for cross country, but I have changed my entire training plan during the winter and it has shown a few promising results so far.
 
This may be, in part, a continuation of the last question, but you've been a regular on the indoor circuit this year after not doing it before. What motivated that change?
 
Rocky’s assistant distance coach really took over my training this winter. He and I have spent countless days running together, from 5 a.m. track workouts to snowy long runs. He based the training around the indoor meets so I would PR early and also so I could get some experience on the different indoor tracks.
 
As you look back on your high school experience thus far, is there a single highlight that stands above the others for you?
 
If I had to choose one single highlight I think I would have to pick the 2013 State Cross Country meet. I was very happy with my place and time and my team did a great job as well. Everybody stepped up and ran a great race. We ended up placing 12th overall which is awesome compared to previous years where we’d either not qualified or placed 23rd overall.
 
Do you have a target or two in mind as you think about your final season of high school track coming up?
 
My main focus will be to stay healthy and make sure I have a fun and fast senior year. I know I will be in great hands at Western State next year, so I am not setting any specific time-oriented goals for this season although I would like to qualify for state this year in either the 1600 or 3200, if not both.
 
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Being in the Front Range Conference, Messerli will have plenty of opportunity to hone his racing skills against top-tier competition this spring. And, if you see his name in the state 1600 or 3200 field in another couple of months, you'll know that one young man has chased down a significant dream.