Well we have talked with both teams, so now it was time to sit down with the coaches. Here is what Coach Bob Hepler and Assistant Coach Rich Dyer had to say.
Parker: How do you feel about the teams going into tomorrow?
Bob: This is really the most focused I have seen them in four seasons. I am really excited for R.J. because he has been with me for four years. He was here when things were not so good, so it has been real exciting to see all his hard work up to this point. He may or may not win tomorrow, but either way it will be great to see him cross the finish line with a great race behind him.
Parker: Do you think the course will lend itself well to our runners?
Bob: We have strong runners that can handle hills. They are in better shape now more than ever, so they should be able to handle any course well.
Parker: Bob, what had Rich brought to this team?
Bob: He brings technical experience with track and field background and the experience of a collegiate runner. Earlier tonight, was talking to the guys about specific parts of the race, particularly the last 400 meter. We have not been in a race yet, where people are crossing almost every second, so his expertise in helping them in the last 400 is very important.
Rich: Tomorrow although everyone will be important, the four and five runners will be especially important in the last 400 meters. But we know they are conditioned well from the work outs we gave them.
Parker: Rich, how have you enjoyed your first year with cross country?
Rich: It has been fun to watch their progression from the end of the last track and field season (The Patriots competed as a club team last year in T&F, but will compete as a varsity program for the first time ever this spring.) up until now. They have taken on a lot of responsibility and they have worked very hard since last spring to get to this point. They set a goal that they wanted to finish in the Top 10 in the country and we said this is what you need to do and this is how to do it. They took what we said and have worked hard towards that goal.
Parker: I guess you could sat they took the idea and...wait for it..."ran" with it.
OK, so the last line I just though of but it was pretty funny, at least it was in my head. Well that wraps up this interview. I promised you final thoughts, so I will grab some decaf and be back with them.
