Alabama Cross Country Q&A: Chase Buckelew
10/12/2017 1:05:00 PM | Track & Field, Cross Country
Chase Buckelew is in his first year as a member of the Alabama cross country team. The freshman from Arab, Ala., has was the Crimson Tide's top freshman finisher in his collegiate debut at the UC Riverside Invitational on Sept. 16. Buckelew and his UA teammates will host the Crimson Classic on Oct. 13 at the Harry Pritchett Running Park in Tuscaloosa.
How do you feel after your first two meets?
Chase Buckelew: "I was really surprised about how well I did, and how the team pulled together, and all that happened. I think there are good things coming."
What's been the biggest adjustment moving from high school to college running?
CB: "It's been a little bit different, but coming off of my senior year, I was already doing higher mileage, so that really wasn't much of an issue."
How have the upperclassmen helped you adjust?
CB: "They've taken (the freshmen) under their wing and they're really showing us the ropes as far as how to compete and how to train."
What's been your focus coming in as a freshman?
CB: "To be really competitive, but not get too caught up since I am a freshman. There's really not any pressure. Just really stay relaxed and just do what I can do and move forward from there."
Has your high school success helped prepare you for collegiate competition?
CB: "I knew coming in that I needed to really focus, put my nose to the grindstone and really just hammer it out day in and day out."
What is your motivation before meets?
CB: "My grandfather used to run, and he really internally motivates me to run my best because I want to make him proud. He actually ran at Auburn, but he's really one of my premiere motivations."
What are your individual goals for this season?
CB: "One goal I set for myself coming in is to try to make it to SECs and I feel like that would be a good goal for a freshman. Really I just want to compete well. That's all you can really ask for."
What are the team's goals?
CB: "We want to make it to nationals. Our top five is looking good and they're racing really well, so I think we have a good shot. I'm just going to try to do my part and contribute to the team as much as I can."
Players Mentioned
