Trail Talk with Austin Duckworth
9/16/2009 12:00:00 AM
Sept. 16, 2009
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Each week, RollTide.com will feature a member of the men's cross country team in which the athlete will answer a few questions asked by RollTide.com. This week, returning sophomore Austin Duckworth, a native of Vestavia Hills, Ala., is featured.
RollTide.com - How did it feel to be a member of the SEC Championship team last season and do you believe Alabama can repeat? Why?
Duckworth - It was an honor to be on the team that broke Arkansas' 34 year streak. That was a breakthrough day for our team and I'm extremely glad I was able to be a part of it. We have to keep working hard because nothing in life is guaranteed but with the amazing amount of talent and depth on our team this year I believe we can repeat as SEC Champions.
RollTide.com - If you were Coach Walker, you would...
Duckworth - Grow out the mullet, buy a Chopper motorcycle and ride across the USA.
RollTide.com - Who is the person you would most like to meet?
Duckworth - Theodore Roosevelt. He knew how to take pain. He got shot and still finished the speech!
RollTide.com - What goes through your mind in the last few minutes before a race?
Duckworth - All of the preparation and hard work that I've put in to reach that point. Augustus Maiyo told me before a 5k last year to "think about the dirt road" and that really helped put things in perspective.
RollTide.com - What is your best non-athletic talent?
Duckworth - If reading was considered a talent that would be it, but I'll have to go with cooking.
RollTide.com - What is your favorite workout?
Duckworth - Mile repeats on our cross country course. I always feel like I get the most benefit from that workout.
RollTide.com - When did you know you wanted run at the Division I level?
Duckworth - I never had a real breakthrough moment where it hit me that I could compete at the Division I level. After a disappointing junior year I decided to see which schools decided to recruit me and I was blessed enough to have interest from Division I schools. I have to say that I've not regretted the decision yet.
