Q) Talk about the recruitment process - what other schools were you looking at, and how did you come to choosing the Kansas State?
The recruitment process is such a blessing to be apart of. It's a humbling feeling knowing coaches want you to be apart of their program. I communicated with included Colorado State University, Portland, Kansas, Furman, and of course Kansas State. I came to choosing K-State University for an awesome environment. I clicked with the coach and the team right away and the athletic and academic facilities they have to offer are second to none!
Q) What do you plan to study at K-State?
I plan on studying something along the lines of Business. I'm not 100% sure what yet, but K-States has an extremely strong School of Business with many avenues to choose from.
Q) What event do you see yourself focusing on at K-State?
I am honestly open to whatever event Coach Godfreys feels is the best fit for me. Since I sat out track season, I've been curious to see what I can do on the track, and have seemed to thrive in speed workouts and time trials. I hope to run something along the lines of 1500 to the 5k.
Q) You've had success in the 800 on up to the 5k, which event would you say is your favorite, and why?
I would say the 800 is my favorite race. I haven't raced one since sophomore year, but the feeling of digging deep and grinding your teeth as you push the last 200 meters is pretty sick! I also really love the 5k as it is almost entirely mental, whoever's willing to push the hardest and stay the most positive throughout the race tends to have the best day.
Q) You made a massive jump over the past year (15:46 last year down to 15:07), what would you say attributed to such an improvement?
A huge thing that played into my improvement was my trust in my coach and enjoyment of the process. Greg Coplen is a phenomenal person both as a coach and as a human being. In the beginning of summer training, I was slightly hesitant with my training, but as I bonded with Coach Coplen and saw improvements across the board, it boosted my confidence as a runner and allowed me to chase some quicker times. Also, I've been known in the past to put pressure on myself and get nervous before big races, but through running with the amazing teammates and coaches I have at Valor I've learned to really enjoy the process and race to the best of my abilities.
Q) The first results we have on you on MileSplit is a 5:11 1,600 where you finished 15th at the Columbine Invite in March 2017 - what do you remember from this competition?
Oh Jeez, I remember it being super cold out and my coach trying to convince me to wear short shorts, but I wouldn't budge. I honestly had no clue how to race a 1600 and decided it was a great idea to get out in a 60-61 through the first 400. Long story short I completely tanked and learned that probably wasn't the smartest strategy for racing a mile.
Q) What got you interested in running in the first place?
Funny story, my Dad actually forced me to run a mile. He said if I didn't he was gonna take my Xbox away, and quite frankly I didn't want that to happen. I ended up running a halfway decent time, keeping my Xbox and discovering that I had an okay aerobic capacity.
Q) You clearly have a passion for the sport - what would you say you enjoy about it the most?
So many things make running what it is. The bonds you create, the people you meet, and the places you get to travel all highlight the sport. However, nothing can surpass the camaraderie the sport has to offer. Waking up every morning to grind those early summer miles. Giving it your all on that last 400 repeat. Pasta nights with the boys, and so much more help Cross Country and Track to stand out. There's no other sport on the face of this earth that can supply the satisfaction of grinding with your brothers and sisters. That's what I enjoy the most, and will continue to enjoy running.
Q) Could you share any goals you have for your senior year?
My main goal is to end both my cross country and track and field seasons with a bang. It would be awesome to break the 15-minute barrier 5k on a cross country course, and it seems that my best opportunity to do so would be this coming Saturday. I would love to share some of my track goals, but considering I haven't run a track race since my sophomore year, it is hard to determine what's realistic and unrealistic. I would love to have some first-team all-state finishes, and high placements at the new balance national meets.
Q) What would your favorite high school moment be?
There have been so many amazing things that have happened to me because of the sport, but by far my favorite high school moment was getting baptized. Prior to my transfer to Valor, I went through a rough patch that saw me making a lot of unhealthy decisions and almost taking my life on many occasions. Getting baptized symbolized a fresh start and a new beginning for me and I am nothing but grateful to have the opportunity to represent God through running. What made the experience even more electric was tons of my teammates got baptized as well, all with their own stories of adversity and perseverance.
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