Kaleb Burroughs of West Florence talks with scrunners about his breaking of a 25-year-old school record and the season goals.
How does it feel to set a personal best by 68 seconds?
It feels amazing, it feels like all the hard work I put in over the summer is finally paying off. I couldn't do it without my teammates pushing me everyday.
How does it feel to be above a 25-year-old school record with your former teammate Charles Mazick?
It feels amazing knowing a record that had been held for 25 years has been broken twice in the last year. I think it shows West Florence has taken a step up in the last two years thanks to Coach Widemen.
What goals are you striving to accomplish this season?
This season, I am hoping to lower the school record even more. At state I am going for top five and sub 16. These would both be huge accomplishments for me after getting 16th and going 17:04 last year at state.
How did you like the course at the Warrior XC Invitational?
I loved the course, it was super flat and we had perfect conditions for running . The only thing that threw off my tempo was the sand. I am hoping that we keep going to the Warrior Invitational for my next two years.
With your new PR of 15:37, you are ranked seventh (at time of interview, now ninth) in the state. What does that mean to you?
Being ranked seventh in the state is a huge accomplishment for me. In the future I hope to build on this and make it into the top 3. Being ranked seventh with a 15:37 shows the strength of SC boys right now.
What's your preferred race strategy?
In my ideal race, I would go out fast the first mile, and I would get in good position and maintain. Next, would go with pack if there was one. When we hit the two mile I would start pushing the pace and trying to close faster than I started.
What's your motivation when running?
My motivation for running is trying to be better than I was yesterday. I try to build and get better everyday. I wouldn't be able to push hard every day if it wasn't for my amazing team.
What hobbies do you enjoy having?
When I don't have anything to do, I like to play basketball. I am hoping to tryout for the basketball team this winter. I also enjoy playing my trumpet.
Where do you see yourself in the next two years?
In the next two years I see me and my teammate John Holladay being the top duo in the state. We both are just getting started on what we can do. I also hope to win a XC state championship. This is going to take a lot of work, but we have lots of young talent on the team and they are just figuring out what they are capable of.