SycamoreStateofMind
07-26-2009, 10:47 PM
sycamorehoops.com Cross Country Interview Series. Getting to Know Freshman Al Escalera the fourth in a series of interviews highlighting the new Sycamore Cross Country athletes. Escalera a standout high school runner out of McCutcheon High School was one of the states best runners his Senior year. He won the 2 mile at the Midwest Meet of Champions (or known as the Indiana All Star team to those of you familar with the Indiana vs. Kentucky All Star Hoops games) with a time of 9:11. He finsihed 4th in the state meet in the 2 mile with a time of 9:16.
Al Escalera
McCutcheon High School
sycamorehoops.com: Al we are glad to have you, but take a moment to tell us why you choose to come to Indiana State?
Al: I came to indiana state for a few reasons. I love running so that had a lot to do with it. Athletically i liked that the team is succesful and fairly young. Coach McNichols has the respect of many people across the state, and after meeting with him i knew that he definitely knew what he was doing. I wanted to compete at the DI level because after my college visits i noticed that these runners seemed to have higher goals and more motivation and that will ultimately benefit me as well. Also its is far enough away from home, but not too far. Finally, isu had the majors i wanted, exercise science or athletic training.
sycamorehoops.com: Yeah the entire coaching staff is one of the best in the business, very well respected! What other schools were you looking at/considering?
Al: I went on visits to IUPUI and Wabash, but it was basically a decision between Eastern Michigan or ISU.
sycamorehoops.com: We are glad you choose I-State, what is your greatest running accomplishment to this point in your career?
Al: I think it definitely has to be my win at the Midwest Meet of Champions in the 3200m. Im proud of the way I raced and pleased with my time of 9:11. I think the race that really elevated my running to the next level though was the state meet in cross country where i placed 18th, it showed me that if you're mentally prepared and want it bad enough you can accomplish anything in a race.
syamorehoops.com: Congrats, that is a great accomplishment. I ran on team Indiana 4 by 8 some 5 years ago (seems like forever ago). Al, can you go into great detail and tell us how your midwest race went.
Al: Well I went into the race with a time goal of sub 9:10. I knew I didnt want to lead but I was hoping the pace would still be fast. I started with a 70 second lap and made sure I was in better position than i was at state where i got boxed in and basically took myself out of the race. I moved my way up to 2nd place three laps into the race and just stayed relaxed and waited for someone to make a move. I crossed the first 1600 in 440 (i ran even 70 laps) and was still in second position. The leader sped up to a 68 second lap and slowed on the next lap but i just stayed right behind him knowing I didnt need to worry about pushing the pace at this stage in the race. Halfway through the 6th lap someone passed me and eventually took the lead, over the next 200m i comfortably moved into 2nd place again and drafted off the new leader. He continued to lead goin into the 7th lap and by this time it was a two man race, i passed him in the homestretch with about 450m to go and at this point just started a long kick to the finish. I couldnt believe I was actually in the lead and just kept pushing the last lap, I didnt hear anyone behind me with 200m to go, I just kept pumping my arms and driving hard towards the finish line. I ended up closing my last lap in a 63 and finished in 911 with my last 800 in 211. That was my first time at the top of a podium and it felt great especially with a huge medal and a bunch of free gear.
sycamorehoops.com: That's high quality stuff - thanks for the details. Did any college coaches contact you after the state meet or the midwest meet that didn't talk to you untill you ran those fast times ?
Al: No, I signed with ISU a couple days after the state meet but nobody contacted me and I actually didnt apply anywhere else, after I took my visit I knew I was going to be a Sycamore.
sycamorehoops.com: If you could customize your own/favorite workout what would it be?
Al: I like long intervals so I think it would have to be a workout I did a few times during the winter,1600m X 7 with a lap jog as recovery. If not that though I would do the workout I did before state and midwest, 800.600.400.400 with plenty of rest in spikes.
sycamorehoops.com: You hear that Sycamore fans 1600 x 7 (ouch) that's a tough workout! What is one song that get's you totally pumped up before a race?
Al: Top 3 : Cant Stop by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beautiful Disaster by 311, Im Feeling This by Blink 182.
sycamorehoops.com: Im Feeling That! Let's have some fun, if you were not a runner what would you be?
Al: A professional Mario Cart Wii racer.
sycamorehoops.com: I am not sure that is a profession, but very ncie! What advice do you have for younger runners that might want to run college track or cross country one day?
Al: First off learn about the history of the sport and read articles or books about training/ running. Listen to your body as far as training. Set your goals high, work hard, and have fun.
sycamorehoops.com: Got to agree with having fun, that's what it's all about! It goes fast so enjoy it while it lasts! Any goals for the up coming season that you have set for yourself?
Al: I want to run 24:30 or under for 8k and 31:00 for 10k, lofty but doable, they will keep me motivated.
sycacmorehoops.com: We here at sycamorehoops.com look forward to watching you meet those goals! Lastly compliments of Eric Shulz, what is your favorite short joke ?
Al: Why dont women wear watches? Cuz theres a clock on the stove!
sycamorehoops.com: Clever! Al, on behalf of sycamorehoops.com thanks for doing the interview and good luck at Indiana State. Be sure not to forget all of us at sycamorehoops.com - we will be watching!
Al Escalera
McCutcheon High School
sycamorehoops.com: Al we are glad to have you, but take a moment to tell us why you choose to come to Indiana State?
Al: I came to indiana state for a few reasons. I love running so that had a lot to do with it. Athletically i liked that the team is succesful and fairly young. Coach McNichols has the respect of many people across the state, and after meeting with him i knew that he definitely knew what he was doing. I wanted to compete at the DI level because after my college visits i noticed that these runners seemed to have higher goals and more motivation and that will ultimately benefit me as well. Also its is far enough away from home, but not too far. Finally, isu had the majors i wanted, exercise science or athletic training.
sycamorehoops.com: Yeah the entire coaching staff is one of the best in the business, very well respected! What other schools were you looking at/considering?
Al: I went on visits to IUPUI and Wabash, but it was basically a decision between Eastern Michigan or ISU.
sycamorehoops.com: We are glad you choose I-State, what is your greatest running accomplishment to this point in your career?
Al: I think it definitely has to be my win at the Midwest Meet of Champions in the 3200m. Im proud of the way I raced and pleased with my time of 9:11. I think the race that really elevated my running to the next level though was the state meet in cross country where i placed 18th, it showed me that if you're mentally prepared and want it bad enough you can accomplish anything in a race.
syamorehoops.com: Congrats, that is a great accomplishment. I ran on team Indiana 4 by 8 some 5 years ago (seems like forever ago). Al, can you go into great detail and tell us how your midwest race went.
Al: Well I went into the race with a time goal of sub 9:10. I knew I didnt want to lead but I was hoping the pace would still be fast. I started with a 70 second lap and made sure I was in better position than i was at state where i got boxed in and basically took myself out of the race. I moved my way up to 2nd place three laps into the race and just stayed relaxed and waited for someone to make a move. I crossed the first 1600 in 440 (i ran even 70 laps) and was still in second position. The leader sped up to a 68 second lap and slowed on the next lap but i just stayed right behind him knowing I didnt need to worry about pushing the pace at this stage in the race. Halfway through the 6th lap someone passed me and eventually took the lead, over the next 200m i comfortably moved into 2nd place again and drafted off the new leader. He continued to lead goin into the 7th lap and by this time it was a two man race, i passed him in the homestretch with about 450m to go and at this point just started a long kick to the finish. I couldnt believe I was actually in the lead and just kept pushing the last lap, I didnt hear anyone behind me with 200m to go, I just kept pumping my arms and driving hard towards the finish line. I ended up closing my last lap in a 63 and finished in 911 with my last 800 in 211. That was my first time at the top of a podium and it felt great especially with a huge medal and a bunch of free gear.
sycamorehoops.com: That's high quality stuff - thanks for the details. Did any college coaches contact you after the state meet or the midwest meet that didn't talk to you untill you ran those fast times ?
Al: No, I signed with ISU a couple days after the state meet but nobody contacted me and I actually didnt apply anywhere else, after I took my visit I knew I was going to be a Sycamore.
sycamorehoops.com: If you could customize your own/favorite workout what would it be?
Al: I like long intervals so I think it would have to be a workout I did a few times during the winter,1600m X 7 with a lap jog as recovery. If not that though I would do the workout I did before state and midwest, 800.600.400.400 with plenty of rest in spikes.
sycamorehoops.com: You hear that Sycamore fans 1600 x 7 (ouch) that's a tough workout! What is one song that get's you totally pumped up before a race?
Al: Top 3 : Cant Stop by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beautiful Disaster by 311, Im Feeling This by Blink 182.
sycamorehoops.com: Im Feeling That! Let's have some fun, if you were not a runner what would you be?
Al: A professional Mario Cart Wii racer.
sycamorehoops.com: I am not sure that is a profession, but very ncie! What advice do you have for younger runners that might want to run college track or cross country one day?
Al: First off learn about the history of the sport and read articles or books about training/ running. Listen to your body as far as training. Set your goals high, work hard, and have fun.
sycamorehoops.com: Got to agree with having fun, that's what it's all about! It goes fast so enjoy it while it lasts! Any goals for the up coming season that you have set for yourself?
Al: I want to run 24:30 or under for 8k and 31:00 for 10k, lofty but doable, they will keep me motivated.
sycacmorehoops.com: We here at sycamorehoops.com look forward to watching you meet those goals! Lastly compliments of Eric Shulz, what is your favorite short joke ?
Al: Why dont women wear watches? Cuz theres a clock on the stove!
sycamorehoops.com: Clever! Al, on behalf of sycamorehoops.com thanks for doing the interview and good luck at Indiana State. Be sure not to forget all of us at sycamorehoops.com - we will be watching!