Where did you continue your running career after high school?
I ended up continuing my running career at the University of Oklahoma
What was the biggest adjustment you had to make to compete at the college level?
The biggest adjustment for me was the style of racing. College racing is not like high school where you can jump the lead from the gun and expect to win with a breeze. I had a lot of training with learning to conserve energy throughout a race, knowing when to make moves and place my self in a race, and even had a lot of focus put on to individual running form for optimal running performance.
Is there anything you can tell high school athletes to better prepare them for the college experience?
Be confident in yourself. Don't ever doubt yourself or let anyone put you down, if you do you lost before the gun went off.
What memories from competing in high school stand out the most?
The amount of memories I have acquired from running in both Illinois and Missouri is so outstanding to weed out specifics. The connections I have gained with my coaches, Matt Helbig and George Patrylak are unforgettable and helped me gained lifelong friends and mentors.
...But I guess if I had to choose one memory, was when Curt Wood and I won state.
What do you miss most about running in high school?
Its conceited, but I really do miss winning often. haha everyone enjoys winning and I haven't won a race since I left high school, but that gives you something to strive for.
What piece of coaching or advice that someone gave you has been the biggest help?
My coach at Edwardsville in Illinois was and still is very close to me, but during the time when I left Illinois he told me not to be so quick to judge and to let life settle first before I make bold decisions. It may be a bit confusing but it really helped me look at life and my running in a more mature way.
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Ben Rosario interviews Daniel at the 2011 State Meet
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