Sophomore leap is an understatement for Amarillo Tascosa's Brigg Wittlake. To start his first month of cross country, Wittlake has already won two invitationals including a 15:29 performance this past weekend at the Tascosa Rebel Run. His 9:48 runner-up finish at the Hebron Friday Night Hawk Invite last month beat any other two mile time he posted on the track last spring. Check out our interview with this Future Star of XC presented by Hoka One One below.
Interview with Amarillo Tascosa (TX) High School sophomore Briggs Wittlake
When did you first get involved with running and why?
I first got involved in running at 10 years old, running with my mom's running group to stay in shape between basketball and soccer. I never made it to soccer because I wanted to keep running. My parents never made me, I just found that I really enjoyed it.
What was your athletic background growing up?
Both of my parents were college athletes; My dad played football and my mom played softball and volleyball. My dad was also one of my coaches at Crockett Middle School. Growing up I played soccer, football, basketball, baseball and ran track. 7th grade was the last year I played football and ran cross country, in 8th grade I just ran and was able to compete against junior varsity runners in many meets.
What were your expectations of your freshmen year going in and how did you feel you met those expectations?
Going into my freshman year, I wanted to win a few races and go to state. Thanks in no small part to Coach Hargrove and my teammates, I did win a handful of races. Unfortunately though I was disappointed to not qualify for state. It was an awesome first year of high school cross country with some wins under my belt.
What would you considered as your best race from 9th grade and why?
I would have to say that my best race from 9th grade was the Amarillo Invitational Meet. Though it wasn't my fastest time, it was my first time to take first place in a varsity meet and I really had to push myself to my limits to achieve that.
How pumped and excited were you with breaking 16 minutes for 5K for the first time at the Marcus I Invitational last month?
I was extremely excited to do so, and on an injured leg none the less. I strained my calf a week before the Hebron Nighthawk and this week at the Amarillo Invitational is my first week to race pain free.
I think being able to do that is an indicator that this season is going to be a great one for both me and my team.
What areas would you like to improve upon the most over the next 3 years of high school?
The area I'd really like to improve upon is my kick at the end of a race because it's definitely not as good as it needs to be.
What is one of the best workouts that you have ever done?
Over the summer, my running partner,Justin, and I would do 18 mile long runs every Sunday through town or in Palo Duro Canyon. These runs took every ounce of strength, both mental and physical, that we could muster.
How do you feel about your chances of qualifying for the state meet this fall? What would it mean for you to qualify for your first state meet?
If I stay healthy and injury free, I think I have a pretty good chance of qualifying this year. It would mean a lot to me to qualify for state because that is pretty much the pinnacle of a high school sports achievement. And it would show me just how good I am and how far I still need to go.
After running a 9:48 3200 on a cross country course already this season, does it get you thinking about how much faster you could run in that event during the outdoor season?
I'm definitely anticipating a good track season because of this. The fact that I can run a decent time on a cross country course should be a good sign that I am where I need to be physically. So, I really do hope that it translate onto the track.
When you graduate in 2017, what would you like to look back and say you accomplished as a high school runner?
I'd like to look back and say that I accomplished something not many can every say they have: I came to full know myself, body, mind and soul. I took running and being alive, and after looking at both for awhile, could not really tell the difference. If I can look back and say that, I will be satisfied.
