Calvin Munson takes his 400 speed to Rhode Island in the fall. Photo by Alan Versaw.
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Calvin Munson's best marks:
100 meters - 11.19
200 meters - 22.62
400 meters - 48.97
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Tell us a little about the decision for Brown--Rhode Island is a long way away, so there must be something that is pulling you there.
When I went out on a visit to Brown, I didn't want to leave. The campus was beautiful, and it had everything I could want academically. I loved the sprint coach and everyone I met on the track team. There was this certain laid back feel to the place, and everybody was absurdly kind, fun to be around, and passionate about what they did, both inside and outside of the classroom. I love the East Coast too, so it was a perfect fit for me.
What do you plan to study at Brown?
I'm planning on majoring in Biology with a focus on Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
You've run several times at each of the three sprint distances--100, 200, and 400. Which do you like best and why?
I like the 400 best. While the 100 and 200 certainly aren't as painful, there's something fun about needing more than just pure sprint speed to win a race. With the speed endurance that comes into play during the 400, it makes it more of a mental challenge, and I like that.
Your 400 times, though strong last year, got a lot better this year. What did you do differently in training to realize that improvement?
Last season I worked with the sprinting crew, since I was solely a 100/200 runner up until about mid-April, when I ran my first 400. So while last year I was training for just sprint speed, this year I've been working with middle distance, which is mostly the 800 runners, in order to improve my endurance. It has really helped the speed endurance aspect of my 400 and has definitely shown in my performances.
What events do you anticipate emphasizing for state?
I'm planning on focusing on the 400 for State, and hopefully the 200 if I can pull off a qualifying mark.
If you had to pick a favorite moment of your high school career to date, what would that be?
During the indoor season this winter, I ran the 400 in the USATF Colorado State Indoor Championships at the Air Force Academy. I ran a PR and got first place. I would have to say it was my favorite moment in my track career so far because being the very first time I had ever won a high school race, it was really special for me.