MoMileSplit: The look over the shoulder at KC Metro, Did you learn that from Zach Herriott?
William: Haha, well I really looked up to Zach when he was at with us at Rockhurst an I thought that if I could do what he did then I would be successful. I guess that was one of the things that I picked up, intentionally or not.
MoMileSplit: Section 4 is going to be tough to get out of once again. Is there a team or gy that you love to run against?
William: Definitely, Section 4 has some very talented teams but one team that is normally around our level and is great to compete against is Ray-Pec high school. On the individual level, there are so many to choose from but I think my favorite guy is Cole Rockhold because he normally races more controlled than the other guys and so he is a good guy to pace off of.
MoMileSplit: Rockhurst always brings a great cheering section to state, tell us about the culture of XC at your school?
William: Cross Country has become a huge sport at Rockhurst. Our coaches set high expectations for the athletes and expect us to achieve these expectations. Everyone wants to make these expectations happen so the guys that aren't running are cheering. When you see all of your teammates and friends cheering for you at a sharp turn or a big hill, it reminds you that you aren't just doing it for yourself but for all of them. Sometimes, I think it's because of them that I can get through a race, and that's the goal.
MoMileSplit: When & how did you get started in cross country?
William: I started Cross Country the summer before my freshman year. Originally, I was going to do swim team because my brother was on the swim team and wanted me to be on it as well. My dad wanted me to try out cross country just to make sure I didn't want to do that. On the first day, thinking I could run no more than a mile or so, I followed a group of guys and ended up having run four miles without knowing until I asked after the run. That was when decided to do cross country.
MoMileSplit: Who has influenced you the most so far in your life and what do they mean to you and your success?
William: My mom and dad have influenced me in incredible ways so far in my life. They mean everything to my success because I would be nowhere without them. I especially love seeing my dad at all my meets cheering he loudest and getting seemingly every spot on the course. He also helps me prepare and get excited for my races during the week. I would be nowhere near where I am today if not for him.
MoMileSplit: Your favorite past performance in a cross country race and why?
William: I always love running Rim Rock, and this year, it was in the mud making it even better. I really enjoyed Rim Rock because I think I do well on harder courses and those are the races where you can push yourself farther than you had thought possible. It gave me a lot of insight on what I need to improve and what I need to keep doing.
MoMileSplit: What is your greatest non-running experience in cross country and why?
William: My favorite non-running experience in cross country has to be when our team went to St. Louis for the Forest Park Cross Country Festival during mid-September. We bond a lot as a team there, and I would say it is very important to have those fun experiences with your team to be successful as a team.
The Fun Run
MoMileSplit: What music do you rock while working out?
William: I'll normally listen to alternative music or Bo Burnham's albums of musical standup to change it up.
MoMileSplit: Do you like to run in the mud or the grass?
William: I like running in the mud.
MoMileSplit: Do you hang out on Facebook or Twitter?
William: You can find me on Facebook, but I don't get on it all that often.
MoMileSplit: Do you like going out or chilling at home?
William: The night before a race, I'll normally stay home and play Xbox with a friend or two, but I'll go out any other time.
MoMileSplit: What gear is your favorite while running?
William: Saucony is my personal favorite. I don't know what I'd do without the guide six running shoe