Tyman Smart: Central (GJ) To Western State


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Tyman Smart's Best Marks

1,600 - 4:44

3,200 - 10:00

5k - 15:31

10k - 35:34

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Q) Talk about the recruitment process - what other schools were you looking at, and how did you come to choosing the Western State?

My main three schools that I considered were MSU Denver, Adams State, and Western State. I visited all three schools, and I felt most at home with my visit in Gunnison. I liked the guys from what I saw and I felt that the program would be the best choice for my improvement.

Q) What do you plan to study at Western

As of right now I am undecided on a major. I'm thinking about business, though.

Q) You went to another level this past cross country season, what do you feel attributed to such an improvement?

I worked a lot over the summer, I think I averaged about 80 miles per week with 4-5 double runs per week. I went to the gym and did some work on stability, form, and my strength. I also did more hills and strides than I have done in the past. I did this while holding a full time job. Though it exhausted me, I think that helped me out at least mentally. I mainly wanted to improve what I was weak at, which is finishing speed.

Q) What would you consider to be your main event, and what event do you see yourself focusing on at Western?

As for me, I like to think the longer the event, the better I am. I'm looking forward to racing 8k's & 10k's, and I think I'll be doing mainly the 5k & 10k on the track.

Q) Could you share any goals you have for the upcoming track season? 

My main goal for this season is to qualify for state in the 3200 and get on the podium. In the talented field that will be presented this year, a fast time is very likely going to happen but I'd like to break my school record of 9:23.46 at some point this year.

Q) What would your favorite high school moment be (so far)?

So far, my favorite moment of high school would be the Anna Banana XC Invitational my sophomore year. At that meet was the first time I went sub 17, running a 16:51. My PR my freshman season was 19:01 at NXR - SW, so I was super stoked to see how much I improved and that's when I started to think I might be able to really get fast.