Meet Alabama Cross Country Freshman Ebie Douglas
10/1/2015 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field, Cross Country
What brought you to Alabama?
"I have grown up a huge Alabama fan. I have also dreamed of being a part of the University because I really like the campus and the people who go here."
In your opinion, what is your best distance race and why?
"My best distance race would have to be the 5k. I have always liked racing the 5k because it makes you push yourself. If you have a bad start, there is some time you have to catch back up unlike the shorter distances"
What is your favorite distance race and why?
"My favorite distance race would have to be the 800 meters. I have always loved running the 800 meters because it is not too short but not very long. It is the perfect distance. You have to have a lot of speed for it, but you also have to have endurance to finish the race."
Are you competing in any new distance races that you did not train for in high school?
"I have never raced longer than a 5k before, so the 6k will be new to me. I also have not run a 1,500-meter race yet. I am very excited to run these races because I have never run them."
What will be the biggest challenge with the longer distance?
"I have not run any unfamiliar distances yet. The races will be longer and faster than I am used to, but I hope to find a strategy that will help me through the longer distances."
What has been the biggest challenge in training as a collegiate athlete overall?
"The biggest challenge would have to be the faster pace and the increase in mileage. I have never run very high mileage before, so adjusting to more miles has been the biggest challenge for me."
What has been the best part about training as a collegiate athlete?
"The best part about training as a collegiate athlete is that you are never by yourself. There is always someone running beside me to push me."
How would you describe the Cross Country team's chemistry?
"The girls on the cross country team are really close. We all support each other and help each other out in practice. As Coach Waters says, we are like 'a family.'"
What is your favorite part about practice?
"My favorite part of practice would have to be after we have a really good workout. Everybody is always in a great mood after a great workout. Overall, it is a great atmosphere to be in after a good run."
If you could compete in any event, what would it be and why?
"If I could compete in any event, it would have to be the high jump. I have also loved watching people compete in the high jump. I think it looks like a lot of fun. I would love to be able to run and jump as high as the high jumpers."
What are you looking forward to this cross country season?
"I am looking forward to getting better each day and adjusting to all the workouts. I am also looking forward to seeing how far our team is going to go in the season."
What is the greatest part about being a student-athlete for The University of Alabama?
"The best part of being a student-athlete would have to be that the University treats the athletes very well. They offer tutors and they have awesome facilities."
What are some of your hobbies outside of training?
"Some of my hobbies outside of training would have to be swimming and water skiing. I have always loved to water-ski and swim ever since I was a kid."
