With the 2014 cross country season just around the corner it's time to start our "Watch List" highlighting the top returners. Sabino senior Sawyer Sprung is our next Watch List athlete.
As the season starts we will continue to add athletes to the list.
Keep checking back as we highlight some of Arizona's best. Good luck to everyone - see you on the course!!
Journal Questions:
Name: Sawyer Sprung (Saywer's Milesplit Profile)
High School: Sabino High School
Year of Graduation: 2015
Best time in a 5K and a 3 Mile Race:
5k: 16:19
3 mile: 15:55
When did you get started as a running:
I started running my Freshman year when I came out to get in shape for Baseball. I turned out to be quite a good runner so I stuck with it and ran track instead of playing baseball. I was really bad at baseball too.
Which meets will you be running this year?
Chandler, Twilight, Doug Conley, Northwest Showdown, Rattler, Mt. Sac (hopefully), Sectionals, and State.
What are your goals for the upcoming track season? What do you look forward to the most?
My goal is to improve my times as much as possible, but to also have fun during my last year of cross country. I want to win a State Championship with my team this year as well!
How is your summer training going? Your favorite workout? What kind of summer mileage do you run?
My summer training went very well and I achieved all of my summer running goals. Running with the Cactus Running Club was a blast! I slowly built up to 80 miles per week during the summer. My favorite workout would have to be our "Tuesday Endless Hills" run, especially that time we got wet.
Do you cross train (lift, swim, bike etc)?
I try to lift and swim 3 times per week at the gym, but I still can’t get big.
Do you follow any kind of nutrition program or watch what you eat?
I have a very specific nutrition program, and I try to fuel my body in the healthiest way possible.
Have you ever been injured?
I have had quite a few small injuries over the last few years, but nothing serious.
So far in your high school career, what is your favorite cross country race or cross country memory?
My Freshman year the cross country team took a trip to San Diego. We went to Sea World, Belmont Park, the beach, and some amazing restaurants! On the last day we raced in the Mt. Carmel Invite which was super fun!
What is the best part of running?
I would have to say that my favorite part is racing. It is such a rush, and there is no better feeling than coming through the finish line knowing that you have given it your full effort. And being fast gets all the ladies ;)
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
Coming in 6th place at the Mt. Carmel Invite in 2013.
When you are not running what do you like to do?
When I'm not running I’m either hanging out with my friends/family or sleeping/eating. And knitting, I like knitting.
How have your coaches influenced you overall?
Coach Mac is the main reason for my success and he has taught me almost everything that I know about running. He has been a great mentor for me and I would definitely not be where I am today without him.
Shout outs?
I have a lot! Everyone in my family especially from my Mom, Dad, Sister, Brother, Bubbie, Poppy, Grandma, and Grandpa for supporting me and being the best family that I could ever ask for. My teammates: Nick, Diego, Myles, Andrew, Tyler, Cole, Beto, Patrick. Everyone in Cactus Running Club, especially Coach Pam and my training partner Anthony Estrella. My dog. All my friends especially Alan, Kyle, Joel, Bennett, Patrick, Diego, and Christian (aka The Crew). Big Shout-Out to Victoria :). Coach Mac (Best coach ever!). Anasazi Training Camp and all the guys from the Mother-Tent. Mrs. Walker for getting me into running.
Quick 6:
Favorite Post-race Meal?
Chocolate Milkshake
Kind of shoes you train in?
Nike Pegasus
Flat course or hills?
Hills! My school is on the base of a mountain so I feel like I have a big advantage whenever I race hills.
Facebook or Twitter?
I really don't use either; I am more of an Instagram person!
Hot or cold weather?
Hot weather if I am racing someone that isn't from a hot state, like Cali kids. Cold weather is my favorite kind of weather to run in.
Favorite song at the moment?
Tom Sawyer—Rush or Pursuit of Happiness---Kid Cudi