TEN QUESTIONS WITH...

Last weekend, you posted a time of 24:36 for a second-place finish at the Asics/Pacesetter NCAA Pre-Nationals. What type of conditions do you need to be able to run a race like that in under 25 minutes?
I actually like running in cooler weather. But even when the weather isn't the best, I now believe that I am in shape to post a sub 25-minute time.

That event was held in Terre Haute, Indiana. The same course will be used for the NCAA Championships in November. How much can you take from this weekend’s experience to use in the NCAAs?
I believe seeing the course and running it gave me a good insight on where the tough parts are. I also found out where I have to start making my move and what I should do at the start to get good position.

On October 15th, you were named the Mid-American Conference Men’s Runner of the Week for the previous week. What does that honor mean to you?
It’s something that I am very happy to have received, but I don’t necessarily deserve it. My teammates – Todd Ludden and Rick Stewart – crossed the finish line along side me at the event that weekend, the UB Open.

Your team scored a perfect 15 points en route to winning that event. How important is it for your team to sweep the point totals at a meet you host?
I think it’s very important to do something like that. It gives our team a boost in confidence. Plus, it’s nice to put on a good show for our spectators – and have fun doing it.

You set a course record in the 8K at that meet with a time of 25:50. Detail your mindset and the way you approach running the 8K.
I approach every 8K differently. Sometimes I am running scared trying not to get embarrassed, and other times I know I am one of the best athletes in the race, and I run with that confidence to the finish.

Do you view the Northeast fall weather as a detractor from your times in distance races?
I view the weather as a contributor to my success. I love the cold, and I know my body responds well to the late November conditions.

Which do you prefer – the outdoor or the indoor season? Why?
The lesser of two evils would be outdoor season, I guess. The reason being is that the surface on the outdoor track is far superior to the jogging track in Alumni Arena. I also seem to be unable to finish an indoor season healthy.

How much of an advantage is it to run at your home course?
Besides having the fans there, I suppose it’s nice just being able to roll out of bed and walk a half-mile to the start. Our course is easy and everyone seems to run very well on it. But I actually feel more confident running away from home.

Talk about your experience last year at the NCAAs, when you were UB’s first representative since 1970.
It was amazing. I felt like I was living the dream. I was running with people who will be in the Olympics some day, and it made me feel good to know I belonged in the race with them. The excitement of the race carried me. I really didn’t feel the pain like I usually do, and it almost didn’t seem real when it was happening.

Discuss what head coach Vicki Mitchell brings to the entire cross-country squad.
I think she brings a lot. Her background in exercise science helps keep us fit. She also brings the experience of being on a team, knowing what athletes are like, and being able to relate to them on a different level than most coaches. I think it’s important for a coach to be your friend, and we all know that Vicki is on that level with us. We all have fun, and that is conducive to success

-The ‘10 Questions with…’ feature is compiled by Geoff Nason.