Varsity - The Official Digital Magazine of Wisconsin Athletics

Varsity - March 6, 2014

Varsity is the free Official Digital Magazine of Wisconsin Athletics, covering Badgers football, basketball, hockey and more each week.

Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/272503

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 25 of 60

26 // VARSITY March 6, 2014 BADGERING REED CONNOR Senior Reed Connor helped the Badgers win their second straight Big Ten indoor title last weekend, as the Houston, Texas, native, won the 3000 meters during the first day of the meet to give No. 5 Wisconsin an early lead. His second-place performance in the 5000 meters on Saturday, coupled with Mohammed Ahmed's win and Malachy Schrobilgen's third-place finish in the race helped Wisconsin clinch the conference crown. What was going through your mind during the 5000 meters? "Before the race, I looked at Malachy, Mo and Michael Van Voorhis and said 'Hey guys, it's all on us, we have to get these points. I don't care how you feel or what's going on in your head, we have to get points, that all that matters.' Mo wanted to get 10 points, I wanted eight and Malachy was trying to get six points. We knew before we started that Mo was going to try to run away and get a qualifying time for nationals, so I was supposed to get second and Malachy had to battle it out for third. We knew going into it would take our effort to win it, and the whole race you kept that in the back of your head." How tough was it to run the 3000 and 5000 meters on back-to-back days at the Big Ten meet? "It's never easy to double. Your legs get tired, but that's part of being a Badger. As one of the top distance guys on the team and as a team captain, that's my expectation. It's expected of me to get the team points. It hurts a little bit, but I signed up to do that and I'm happy to go out there for the team to double and get those points that we need to win. That's what being a Badger is all about." How is it training with 2012 Olympian Mohammed Ahmed? "It's a confidence booster. He's an Olympian, and was ninth at worlds last year. If I can stick up with him, I must be in pretty good shape. If this kid can get ninth in the world, I can maybe get 10th. He's a great training partner, a great teammate and I'm happy every day to go out there with him and help him out. Some days I help him out, and some days he helps me out." How do you prepare for the upcoming NCAA championships? "The key for me in a big competition is to not do anything different. I think some- times people think they have to start doing things differently when a big race is coming up. I think that's when you get yourself into trouble. For me, it's about doing everything the same, going to class every day, focusing on my schoolwork, reading a book here and there. I'll try to relax and live life normally and next week- end go out and try to kick some butt on the track. I've been here for four and a half years. 'The hay is in the barn' as the famous saying goes in track and field, there's nothing we can do now. It's all in my head, and as long as I can control my mind, my body will be able to accomplish what I need to do this weekend." What are your long term goals for your career? "Running is an interesting sport. It's not one of the glory sports, you don't get a lot of recognition or make it a very good career out of running in the future. I'm not sure how long it will be, but I plan on running until the next Olympics and giving it a shot and trying to get on the team to represent my country." Favorite food? Steak Favorite place to run? Thomas Zimmer Cross Country Course Favorite TV show? Game of Thrones Last book you read? This Will Change Everything by John Brockman Favorite season? Summer QUICK Q'S WITH REED

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Varsity - The Official Digital Magazine of Wisconsin Athletics - Varsity - March 6, 2014