Cryslan Tucker is the returning Class 3A state champion. She will look to defend her title again this year. Read what she has to say about winning Region 2, preparing for the state meet and more, in today's Road To State Q&A.
Texas MileSplit: How did it feel winning your second Region 2 title? Can you describe the emotions?
Cryslan Tucker: I would have to say that I was relieved! The regional course was re-routed because of all the standing water from the rain. We weren't able to view the course prior to our race and that made me a little nervous. I started cramping up after the first mile. It just wasn't a real good race for me. But I was grateful that I was able to push through and still come out with the win.
Texas MileSplit: Being the defending state champion do you feel any added pressure heading back to the State meet this year? Why or why not?
Cryslan Tucker: There is definitely added pressure heading back to state as the defending champ. As a freshman I was just so excited to even go to state. Last year I didn't have the pressure of winning I was just happy to be there. I felt like I could do well and I was hoping to be in the top 5, but winning was a blessing. Last year I was a face in the crowd and this year the competition knows who I am and they have been watching me and are gunning for me. They have been working hard and I know I will have to run one of my best races at state if I want defend the title.
Texas MileSplit: What is your goal this year at the state meet, and how have you been training all year to accomplish that goal?
Cryslan Tucker: My goal is to win with a PR on that course. All year we have been working hard and basically sacrificing races in order to peak at the qualifying races. Where some runners may take an easy day or two before a race, we were working hard all week including the day before races and having to race while we were very sore.
Texas MileSplit: How has having experience at the state meet helped you to prepare for this year? How do you plan on approaching the race? What are you most looking forward to?
Cryslan Tucker: It's definitely a confidence booster knowing that I'm familiar with the course and just being familiar with how the meet is ran. My plan is to be patient and not let the adrenaline get the best of me. I am mostly looking forward to crossing the finish line so that I can relax.
Texas MileSplit: What has training been like since the region meet? Can you describe in detail some of the workouts you've been doing?
Cryslan Tucker: Since regionals the workouts seem a little easier. I prefer long distance over sprints and we have been doing less sprints and more distance workouts.
Texas MileSplit: How does it feel to not only be traveling to state with the girls team again, but now with the guys team as well?
Cryslan Tucker: It is exciting to have both the boys and girls going to state. The fact that both teams get to represent our school and we get to be there to support each other is such a blessing. The boys have worked really hard this year and their times have proved it. It's an awesome feeling to know that we will be sharing this experience with a great group of guys that love this sport as much as we do and have the same goals as we do.
Texas MileSplit: What are some of you pre and post race rituals?
Cryslan Tucker: Pre-race my mom has to be the one that pins my bib on. After that, I usually shut down. I get really nervous and I tend to walk away from the group. I don't want to talk to anyone I just want to think about the race. When it's time to line up we pray as a team. Post race I just like to go back and cheer on the rest my team as they come across the finish line.
Texas MileSplit: What has been your most memorable experience so far this season?
Cryslan Tucker: I have a lot of great memories and not just one stands out. From our team sleepover at the beginning of the season to our team lunches and the bus rides we always find a way to entertain ourselves and have a good time.
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Region 2-3A Results
| F 3,200 Meter Run - Finals | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Place | Athlete | Team | Result | Points | ||
| 1 | Tucker, Cryslan | 10 | Holliday | 12:00.34 | 1 | |
| 2 | Zint, Olivia | 11 | Pottsboro | 12:12.27 | 2 | |
| 3 | Juarez, Diana | 11 | Pilot Point | 12:13.42 | 3 | |
| 4 | Tompkins, Kaylyn | 9 | Chapel Hill | 12:19.12 | 4 | |
| Team Scores | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Place | Team | Points | Scorers | Times | ||
| 1 | Holliday | 79 | 1+10+12+24+32 (49) | 1:29 1-5 Split | 12:56 Avg | ||
| 2 | Brock | 107 | 9+17+20+26+35 (40+48) | 0:52 1-5 Split | 13:14 Avg | ||
| 3 | Paradise | 110 | 8+14+27+28+33 (54+60) | 0:46 1-5 Split | 13:15 Avg | ||
Full Region 2-3A results here!