Connor: Interviews with Mizzou Athletes

For my Kids' Corner post, I interviewed two elite Mizzou track and field athletes. The reason I chose this is because my goal is to run in college, and I wanted to find out what it takes to get there. First I interviewed Kaitlyn Fischer an all American in the 10k. Then I interviewed  Will Crocker, he was second in the 1500 at the SEC meet. Will’s best mile is 4:01!

Question number 1) Why did you chose Mizzou?
Kaitlyn: “I chose Mizzou because I felt most at home here when I was visiting other colleges. The athletic and academic departments are great. Also, the future teammates I was about to have welcomed me with open arms”.

Will: “I chose Mizzou because of the top of the line facilities and because they were the only big division school in the country that gave me a chance.”

Question number 2) What is the best part about being in Mizzou athletics?

Kaitlyn: “The best part about being in Mizzou athletics is that no matter what, you have people everywhere you go wanting and helping you succeed. This goes from tutoring, to running, athletic trainers, to thinking right in sport. Help is there every step of the way”.

Will: “My favorite part about being in Mizzou athletics is is the fact that we are in the SEC. The SEC is the top track and field conference in the country and I love knowing that when I race that I am facing the toughest competition in the country.”  

Question number 3) What’s your favorite distance to race?

Kaitlyn: “The 10k is my absolute favorite race. That’s not a common answer to a lot of people because it’s 25 laps but that’s the fun of it!”

Will: “My favorite to race is 1500 meters.”

Question number 4) What do you think is the most important thing to do to be successful?

Kaitlyn: “The most important thing to do to be successful is two things in my opinion. Giving 100% in everything you do in life (including the little things) will no doubt help you be successful. Another thing is to have a good attitude about things. A bad attitude will only bring further and won't earn you any respect”.   

Will: “I believe that the most important part of being successful in running is doing the little things. That would include eating healthy, getting proper sleep, and spending time in the training room to make sure you do not get injured. Everyone can train hard but the people who do the little things are the ones are going to be successful.”

Question number 5) How much did you train as a kid?

Kaitlyn: “As a kid I did not train for running, I actually disliked it very much. I was a dancer and a cheerleader. I actually said at one point after a ‘fun run’ “I am never doing this again”. But I did train for dancing and cheerleading until I became a runner at 15 and began my training”.

Will: “Starting from age 7 I was part of a youth track and cross country team. A typical week for us would be 3 days of practice with one of those weeks being a workout, one day being a short run and one day being a bit of a longer run.

Question number 6) What do you think you’ll do after college?

Kaitlyn: “After college I  would like to become a child life specialist. They work kids at hospitals and try to make their experience less traumatic. I also hope to eventually start a family”.  

Will: “After college I would like to try and continue working in track and field. If I am fortunate enough to run professionally I would like to do that. If not then I would like to get into college coaching.”

Thanks for reading my Kids' Corner article. I hope you enjoyed it too! It was great to learn about these two runners and I want to run in college more than ever!