Name: Michael Cook
Hobbies: Outdoor activities, Vehicle Maintenance/ modification
Academic interest: Mathematics and engineering
Personal bests: 5K: 16:10, 3200: 10:06, 1600: 4:55
What does it mean to be named to the Shrine Bowl Run team and helping the hospital?
I take pride in my nomination to the Shrine Bowl team because it is exciting to know that I am helping raise money for children in need while doing what I love. I see being a part of this team as a major accomplishment of my high school running career.
What did you hear about the Shrine Bowl Run before this year?
In 2014, one of my teammates was selected to be a part of the Shrine Bowl Run and before that I didn't really know much about it. He shared his whole experience with me and told me about how much fun it was. It interested me and gave me something to look forward to at the end of my senior year cross country season.
What do you hope to experience during the event?
I hope to experience fellowship with a bunch of other runners who enjoy running as much as, or more, than I do.
How are you preparing to run with a football?
It's definitely different from how I usually run but running with a football for a few miles here and there should help me be more comfortable about it.
How would you rate your senior season?
10/10. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect this season. With only a few returners to the team this year I worried that my main goal of making it to state with my team would not be met. However, the newbies really showed their stuff and, with some ups and downs, we really came together at the end to reach our goal. From an individual standpoint, I am thankful that this season has been smooth and relatively injury free. I'm confident that my team and I did our very best and in saying that, I cannot be disappointed with this season.
What future goals do you have?
I plan to do my best in the 2017 track season by cutting time and making state with the goal of being all state in the 3,200. After high school I wish to attend a four year university and major in mechanical engineering, while still running cross country.
Have you made the decision to compete at the next level? Please explain.
Yes, I plan to run cross country at the collegiate level preferably at a D1 school.
How did you get involved with the sport and when?
When I was a fifth grader, my older sister, who was a sophomore in high school at that time, decided to run cross country in addition to playing soccer in order to stay competitive. However, the combination of the two were too much for her knees to handle and she then discovered that she was born with a patellar tilt and the over activity became very irritating so she had to stop running before her first season was through. Two years later when I was in seventh grade and eligible to participate in high school sports, my sister suggested I try running cross country. I wasn't really interested in running but I decided to give it a shot. I didn't like it at first but after my first season I knew I was hooked and there was no turning back.
How have you seen the sport change in the state? Please explain.
Overall, I see cross country gaining popularity and the state itself is getting faster. It seems like now I'm seeing faster times from younger people.
What was your motivation for your final XC season?
My motivation for this season was to be a part of the all state team because in the previous season, I fell just short of it by coming in 16th place by a fraction of a second. I couldn't think of a better way to finish my high school cross country career than to have that all state certificate in my hand.
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
If there was something I could do to make everyone love their neighbor as themselves, I would do it. There would be so much less conflict in our world if we simply treated others the way we want to be treated. I know this is asking a lot from humanity but the world would be a much better place to live if we followed that simple rule.