Jack Rubalcave's Best Marks:
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Start by telling us a little about the decision for Portland State. What made that the program for you?
Really, it was a combination of things. I loved the area up there in Portland, it is so beautiful. Other than that, I clicked with the guys and we all had a good time together on my visit. It also helped that there is some colorado guys there, and some other ones committed, it's nice to that connection back to colorado somehow.
What do you plan to study at Portland State?
I'm still a little undecided, but I have two options that I'm still trying to choose between. Option number one is to study physical therapy, and option two is to get a degree in history, and then continue on to law school and be a lawyer.
I think I've been noticing that you've been focusing on shorter distances lately in track. What's been behind that decision, or has it even been a conscious decision?
Mainly, it is because I feel the shorter distances fit me better, I feel like I perform at a higher level in an 800 meter race versus a 3200 meter race. I still plan on running at least one 32 later in the season, though. Another reason for that has been relays, we've all been working really hard to try and qualify some relays to state, and a lot of the time the longer distance races don't fit into the meet schedule for the relays were trying to run that day.
What event or events do you hope to focus on in college?
I hope to stick in the 800/1500 range, but I'm going in with an open mind, knowing that what I've been able to run in high school might not be my race in college. I definitely want to attempt the steeple. Anything above the 3k doesn't sound to appealing to me at the moment, but I'll find out more once my first season in Portland is complete.
You have obviously made a large commitment to compete in the indoor season. Few, if any, western slopers have competed in as many indoor meets as you have. Does the grind of winter travel get to you, or have you been able to get into a routine and just get it done?
I honestly love indoor track, everything about it. This year, especially was travel filled. Coming off a disappointing cross season, I gave indoor a lot of dedication. Winter travel gets a little exhausting, but I'm lucky enough to have family on the front range, who are kind enough to take me in for the night before meets at Air Force, or Boulder. The other meets are just all kudos to my mom for supporting me enough to send me to some other meets in other states, and I'm really grateful for all the opportunities I've had in my short running career.
Pick out the highlight of your high school career to date for us.
There are too many, so many good things have happened. If I had to pick just one, it would be last spring at the league track meet, in the race where Connor Dillon and I both got our school records in the 8, and broke 2 minutes for the very first time. It was really cool to experience that for myself, and celebrating it with someone who was in the same situation as me was even cooler. The weather was really bad that day, in fact the meet was delayed for a while, but it cleared up for just long enough for our race and I believe the race after ours, and then the meet was delayed again, and if I recall right, it didn't start back up. It was just one of those races where everything worked out to perfection, and was a race I'll never forget.
