Q) Talk about the recruitment process - what other schools were you looking at, and how did you come to choosing Appalachian State University?
My college search started last summer when I reached out to coaches at nearly every school I thought I might be interested in. I ended up taking visits to a few schools including the University of Nevada Reno and High Point University, but ultimately Appalachian State was the one for me.
I felt at home on the campus and with the team and coaches. Not to mention the area is incredible!After my visits, App State was the school I could most see myself at for the next four years as both a student and as an athlete.
Q) What do you plan to study at App State?
I'm looking to major in either Building Sciences: Architectural Technology & Design or Business Mathematics.
Q) What event do you see yourself focusing on at App State?
I'm excited to move up to the 8k in cross country because I've always been stronger at the longer distances. In track, I'll probably run the 5k and 10k but I've always wanted to try the steeplechase because it looks like such a fun and grueling event.
Q) You've had success in the 1,600 and on up to the 5k, which event would you say is your favorite, and why?
I like racing the 3200 during track, but the 5k has to be my favorite because I love packing up and working together with the guys on my team.In cross country, all the courses are unique so there are so many different strategies you can use at each race depending on your and your team's goals, the conditions/course, and the competition.
Q) You've made a massive leap of improvement from your sophomore to junior year - what would you say attributed to such an improvement?
I would say that all of my improvement throughout high school are a result of hard work, consistency and believing in the training I'm doing even when coaches and training styles have changed. I'm so thankful to have had several teammates throughout high school to both run with and chase in workouts and races. They have definitely helped me stay accountable for my training and get the most out of workouts.
Q) The first result we have on you on MileSplit is a 16:13 2-mile, 71st place finish at the SaberCat Invite in August of 2013 - what do you remember from this competition?
The only thing I remember from that race was running it with my friend Charlie Tychsen. In 6th grade, I was not competitive at all and cross country was mostly about having fun.
Q) What got you interested in competing in XC/Track in the first place?
My mom was the one who encouraged me to try cross country. I grew up watching her do a lot of half marathons and sometimes she would get me to run some 5k's with her. When I started, I wasn't by any means fast (take for example that blazin' 16:13 2-mile), but I'm definitely glad I stuck with it.
Q) Favorite book, musical artist, and movie - GO:
Tough choices, but I have to say The Maze Runner, TobyMac, and Knives Out.
Q) Could you share any goals you have for your final track season?
I didn't set any specific time goals this year; I wanted to focus on competing and becoming a better racer. For this track season, I was shooting to get 1st team all-conference, to qualify for state in the 3200 and 4x8, and to score points for the team at the state meet. I was also looking forward to running the 3200 at Arcadia because I was finally able to get in with my times from cross country.
Q) What would your favorite high school moment be?
I have so many great memories from high school running, but I think my favorite is from the trip our team took to Desert Twilight. I just had a great time hanging out with the guys that weekend and the race was by far the most fun competition I've ever been in. I finished with a huge PR, finally breaking 16, and our team got third in the sweepstakes race as well! Such a fun weekend.
