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Harrison Witt's Best Marks
800 - 1:52.87
1,600 - 4:22.67
3,200 - 9:25.10
5,000 - 15:12
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Q) Talk about the recruitment process - what other schools were you looking at, and how did you come to choosing Princeton University?
Besides Princeton, I was considering running at Texas, Michigan, Duke, Texas A&M, or Cornell. I came to choose Princeton University because of the stellar academic programs and rigor, and for the competitive nature of the running team. Throughout my conversations with Coach Vigilante, I realized that competing and winning, along with personal development, are the main priorities on the team, and that is something I can get behind.
Q) What do you plan to study at Princeton?
I plan to major in the field of engineering, with possible focuses on mechanical or biomedical.
Q) What event do you see yourself focusing on at Princeton?
I see myself focusing on events that can help the team score at important meets. I am strong in the 800m, and as I increase my training mileage I can see myself focusing on anywhere from the 800-3k in track. I will work to score in events that the team needs me to.
Q) You've had success in every event from the 800 on up to the 5k - what would you say your favorite event is, and why?
My favorite event is the 800m. This event requires a combination of physical strength and aerobic endurance, as well as mental fortitude. I love this event because it comes down to who is willing to endure the pain the longest (especially on the 3rd 200) and which runner is the toughest mentally. It shows deep in the racer's hearts who wants it more.
Q) You made a big jump from freshman to sophomore year (particularly in the 800 - 1:59 down to 1:52, and in the 5k - 17:28 down to 16:03) - what would say attributed to such a big improvement?
Freshman year I didn't know how to race at my highest level. I didn't do track in middle school, and was mediocre at cross country, so I had very little experience with pushing my limits. Under Coach Dalby's excellent training, I became pretty fit, and this fitness carried me to my freshman year PR's. By the start of sophomore year, I was much more comfortable with my personal race strategies, and knew what it took mentally to reach my highest potential.
Q) The first result we have on you on MileSplit is a 12:14 3,000, third place finish at the Runner's Roost Invitational in September 2016 - What do you remember from this competition?
I remember that this race was what started my love for cross country. It was at Chatfield Reservoir, and we actually ran through the lake multiple times, at depths up to our knees. I thought this was the coolest thing ever, and it helped light my passion for the sport.
Q) What got you interested in competing in XC/Track in the first place?
My mom has always inspired me to run. She won a heap of state cross country championships growing up in Oklahoma, and still runs every morning at 5 a.m. to this day. I used to play baseball, football, and basketball, but she convinced me to try out cross country in middle school, and I've been hooked ever since.
Q) Favorite book, musical artist, and movie:
My favorite book right now would have to be The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. My favorite musical artist is Kanye West, especially his albums College Dropout and MBDTF. My favorite movie is Remember the Titans.
Q) What would your favorite high school moment be?
My favorite high school moment is winning the 4x800 state championship as a sophomore. We were underdogs coming into that race and the feeling when I crossed that line and embraced my teammates was like nothing I've ever experienced.
