Meet Evan Prizy
9/25/2014 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field, Cross Country
How did you begin running distance?
"I began running at the age of 12 in the summer between sixth and seventh grade. My dad and both of my brothers were all runners, so I wanted to hop on the bandwagon and join them. It took a little while for me to put it together, but I ended up having a really enjoyable eighth grade year in cross country and track. I decided to stick with it and see how far I could go, and now I am competing in college."
What inspired you to come to the University of Alabama?
"Dean (Charles) Karr, of the College of Engineering, held an informational dinner near my hometown for students who were interested in The University of Alabama. I figured I would check it out and see it was about. After the presentation finished, I was pretty sure I had found my home for the next few years. I hung on every word Dean Karr said. Everything he said about the University made me envision what life would be like as a UA student. It just seemed right - like pieces of a puzzle fitting together. My next step was to talk to Coach (Adam) Tribble about joining the team. When that got the green light, I knew that the Capstone was where I belonged. It had everything I wanted: a place for me to run, a lively student body, a great education and of course Bama football."
What is the biggest difference between last year and this year?
"The biggest difference between last year and this year has to be my level of confidence. As a freshman, everything was new to me, so it was almost like a baptism by fire. But now that I have a year under my belt, I've been able to lock into the rhythm of things and take advantage of all the opportunities I have as a student-athlete here at Alabama. With all the support the university has to offer, I can set even higher goals for myself as I strive for success."
Are there any ways you mentor the freshman who joined the team this year?
"I like to think that the freshmen who joined the team this year have a good support network in the returning athletes. As a sophomore, I can see myself in the freshmen pretty clearly, having been one of them only a short while ago. I am able to help them avoid some of the mistakes that I may have made when I was in their shoes. It is great to know that I, along with all the other returning athletes, can help guide our new teammates in the best way possible so they can achieve their goals."
What goals do you have for this year?
"My goals for this year are much like they always have been. I want to make a difference and give nothing but my best. Every time I step on the course or on the track, I want to do something that not only I can be proud of but that my teammates and coaches can be proud of, too. I want to work hard in practice so that I can be my best. That is how a team goes from being good to being great. When each member works to the best of their capability, every other person benefits as a result. One of my past coaches always told us that in cross country, it takes five runners to score; four won't cut it, and you need seven to be out there giving it everything they've got. So even when you're hurting or having a bad day, you have to dig deep for all the other guys that are counting on you to do your part. It's not just about you, it's about the team. Individuals win races, but teams win championships."
What is your biggest accomplishment on the track or the course you've had thus far in your career?
"My biggest accomplishment to date would have to be the Crimson Classic meet in cross country last year. Although I didn't start as well as I had hoped, I forged ahead and worked hard throughout, ending in a decent spot. That race provided many learning opportunities, which I was thankful for, so all things considered it was a good experience."
How many times have you received a funny look when you tell people you are a distance runner and how do you respond?
"Almost every time I tell someone I'm a long distance runner, they look at me funny. A lot of people will say something like, `oh I could never do that. That's just crazy!' or `I don't know what you're thinking.' I just tell them that running is something I love and that the hard work is worth it. Running feels more natural to me than walking, so it is something that feels like home."
If you could try any event besides distance, what track event would it be?
"If we're talking popularity, either the 1,500 meters or the 4x400 meters would be the events I'd pick. Those are the events that everyone loves to watch and get really excited for it seems, so they are great fun to do. Some of the most fun I have had in track was during a 4x400-meter relay, because I got to go out and sprint a lap with a baton with some guys that I hardly ever ran with. It was really fun to mix things up but only once in a blue moon. I've always admired the more exotic events like javelin and pole vault, though. They seem so wild to me. I just run in circles. Those guys throw spears and jump 17 or 18 feet in the air. "
What is a piece of advice you would give young runners?
"Don't give up even if things seem hard. I was - to be quite honest - a lousy runner when I first began. I just stuck with it and continued to work hard and I eventually found some success. It is also really important to appreciate the people who support you. If I threw in the towel every time things were tough, I would not have made it past day one. People like my coaches, friends and especially my family were there to keep me on track. So, be sure to thank them for all that they do."
