(Paul Wilke)
Curran Carlile: Indoor Track
What do you think about while running? How do you keep yourself going in the really long and hard races?
When I am running I sometimes start thinking in Spanish, but usually, I am thinking about issues in my life and trying to resolve them. I also think about girls a lot.
What advice would you give to other people looking to run in college?
For those looking to run in college, I would say look for the right school first and then look at their running programs. If you are where you want to be, you’ll be happy. And if you are happy you are going to run your best.
What is the most important thing you’re working on this season? How do you plan on improving it?
This winter track season I am simply working to improve my overall fitness and endurance for next year’s cross country season. Cross is always the most important season when it comes down to it.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? How would you use it?
If I had a superpower it would have to be the ability to turn everyday objects into cats. Because I like cats.
What is your favorite event to compete in and why? What is your favorite to watch and why?
My favorite event to compete in is whatever the longest race is, because in general, the longer the race, the better I do. The longest race in winter track is the 5000-meter run, so right now, that is my favorite. My favorite event to watch is the 4×400-meter relay because it is the most intense in terms of crowd participation and I always find it to be a very emotional experience when I watch it.Erik Borresen: Men’s Basketball
Who is your favorite team in the conference to play? How about your least favorite?
My favorite is St. Norbert, because recently they have been in the national Top 25, and I always enjoy playing against great players. Plus, there is a good amount of bad blood from years past, which always makes things interesting. I hate playing against Grinnell for several reasons, but mostly because the game takes an extremely long time due to their questionable style of play, and by the end of the game I am absolutely exhausted and beat up from getting fouled.
What are your biggest personal accomplishments so far this season?
How do you plan on continuing to improve on them?
I’ve been fortunate to have several 15-plus-rebound games, so I would say those games have been my biggest personal accomplishments, because it is such an important part of defense. There is a science to rebounding, and with experience you begin to know how a shot will come off of the rim and where to position yourself on the floor in order to have the best chance at grabbing the ball. So, I plan on continuing to outwork and outsmart my opponents on the defensive end.
How has your participation in Lawrence varsity athletics enhanced your experience at LU over the past four years? What will you remember most?
Being part of LU varsity athletics has put me in a distinct social category on campus. I have different views from many other Lawrentians, but I have attempted to step outside of my social comfort zone and befriend all types of people around campus. When I’m gone, I’ll have the fondest memories of hanging out with my teammates, and I’ll certainly miss the simplicity of being able to walk next door or across the hall to see them.
If you were stranded on an island with one member from the team, who would it be and why?
I would choose my good friend Jon Mays as he is someone I’ve always been able to trust and talk to about everything. Plus, I know he won’t talk too much or annoy me because that’s not his style. We’d probably just kick it and listen to some beach-themed music by Jack Johnson.
How are the freshmen impacting the team dynamic? What have they brought to the table to help the team?
With just five returning players from last year, we knew some of them would have to be ready to play from the start and so far they have done a great job. They are a great group of guys, and will be a very, very tough team to beat in the future. They make me laugh every day – whether it’s one of them doing a ridiculous impression of Kline, Max asking some air-headed question or Adam Breseman singing songs from the Lion King, they keep me thoroughly entertained. This team is closer than any other team I’ve been on, and it’s because we have so much fun together.
(Curran Carlile)