What brought you to Hillsdale?
I wasn’t really planning on running track in college, but I came here for a regular visit just to check out the school and just happened to talk with the coach and got the recruiting process off the ground.
What was your high school career like?
It was a lot of fun. I’m a 400 runner and I kind of stumbled into that as well. I started off my high school career as more of a distance person, but one time my coach was like “Oh just run a 400,” and I ended up doing that, and I ran a pretty fast time. I went to state several times, and then senior year I ended up being state champ in the 400, so it worked out well.
How did it feel being named the GLIAC athlete of the week over break?
It’s great. The GLIAC is a really tough conference and to be selected is definitely an honor. You have to do something good, because there is a lot of competition.
Is Hillsdale what you expected in both the academic and athletic aspects?
When I got here I didn’t realize that track was going to be such a time commitment or so rigorous. I just remember the first week of school being extremely sore because I wasn’t prepared for this type of intensity, athletically at least. But now I’ve really come to love it. Academically, I knew it was going to be pretty tough, and, I mean, that’s what you get at Hillsdale, so I feel pretty good about it.
When did you first start running and why were you drawn to it?
I guess my first memory of running was an elementary school track and field day. I found out I was pretty fast, so I just kind of always did it. I actually started running cross country, because I broke my arm during football season my eighth grade year, and then I never looked back since then.
How do you prepare yourself mentally for a race?
I think the biggest thing for me is just not overthinking it, just relaxing, and realizing that my body is where it needs to be. I mean, it’s kind of generic to say, “Just go out and do it,” but I think for me, that’s the best mental approach.
What’s the hardest part and the best part about running for you?
The hardest part is definitely all the hours that you put in in the fall in late afternoons where it’s getting cold, and there are not a whole lot of chances to showcase what you’ve done. But when you finally do get a chance to put it all out there and run a really fast time, that’s a great feeling.
Do you have any interests outside of athletics and academics?
I really like hiking and visiting national parks. This semester I got to backpacking in Isle Royale National Park, which is an island up in Lake Superior. That was a blast. Just being outdoors is a really good time.
What are some of your expectations and goals for the coming season for yourself and your team?
This is a big year for the guys’s team. We’ve kind of been overshadowed by the success of the girls in the past couple years, but I know the coaches and athletes feel that this is kind of a breakout year for the men’s program on a national scale. I think we can go to the national championships and do really well as a team. Personally, my 4×4 relay team is hoping to continue to be all-Americans in the relay, and I also also hope to be an individual all-American in the 400.
