Seven Questions with Zac Edwards
9/24/2008 12:00:00 AM
Sept. 24, 2008
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Rolltide.com and the Alabama men's cross country team have started a new weekly segment called Seven Questions. Select players and coaches will check in weekly on Rolltide.com and answer questions pertaining to things on and off the field. The fourth edition features freshman Zac Edwards.
Rolltide.com: When and why did you start running?
Zac Edwards: I started to run in 7th grade. I started to take it serious in 10th grade. I started to run because I sucked at soccer and wanted to run as fast as my dad.
Rolltide.com: What are your personal goals and what are the team goals for the season? Running career goals for college and further?
Edwards: Our team goals for this season are to dominate the SEC, take care of business at the Regional meet, and point for the top of podium at NCAA's. My personal goals are to help my teammates dream big and run fast. I hope to use college as stage 2 of 3. Post collegiately I will continue to run and point for the 2012 US Olympic trials and an Olympic team(s).
Rolltide.com: What's your favorite race and why?
Edwards: 5k! Because it is half the distance of a 10k. Nothing is worse than hearing 18 laps to go.
Rolltide.com: Why did you choose to come to The University of Alabama?
Edwards: I came here because of Coach Walker, Glance, TJ, and Illian. Nothing is more important than having people who care to see you do well. I also value having international guys to train with. I feel like it will set me up well for the future. The climate and geography is great here too.
Rolltide.com: Other than running, what Olympic sport would you want to compete in and why?
Edwards: Gymnastics. Those guys are ripped. Shawn Johnson is also... well you know.
Rolltide.com: Who is your favorite runner to look up to? Why?
Edwards: Deena Kastor. She knows how to keep things in perspective. She has figured out how to grow as a person as well as an athlete.
Rolltide.com: How did it feel to place 14th in the 5,000m at the SEC Indoor Championships in such a stacked field including champion Tyson David and James Strang (outdoor champion)?
Edwards: Except for the first couple of laps it was pretty much like - What the Hell am I doing here! - I got a good view of Tyson lapping me twice. It was a wonderful learning experience to say the least. In the SEC you have to be on top of your game. At the 2008 SEC Indoor Championships, I was not on top of my game.
