This week, Buster Roberts tackles the TX MileSplit Pick Six. Roberts is the Class 3A runner up and member of the Luling UIL State 6-peat Champions.
1. TX MileSplit: So, the last time most people will remember seeing you and hearing about you was at the 2015 UIL State XC meet where you and your teammates tied the State record 6 straight team championships. What is the mind set and daily motivation like for Luling as this year could see you all stand a part, if the 7th in a row is earned?
Buster: The mindset is to go into EVERY workout with the mind set of achieving excellence. The daily motivation that keeps me going and the team going is being the very best individuals that we can possibly be. If everyone chases their potential then the success will come.
2. TX MileSplit: A few weeks ago, at the Lockhart Invitational, you and your teammates impressively ran the 2 mile course, as you hit 9:08, Peyton went under 9:30, and the rest of your top five all under 10:00. What does that say about the fitness you guys are in and how effective the workouts (labor pains, as Coach Barnett eloquently refers to them) have been for you?
Buster: The team is very fit, all the way from our first man to our 12th man. The workouts have been very beneficial and are the reason we are fit.
3. TX MileSplit: So, you have several family members that are on the Luling XC team. What is it like with you all going through your student athlete journeys together?
Buster: I think it's the ideal training environment for any high school runner because you get really close to your teammates (even though four of us are brothers). Also, my best friend Anthunie Gonzales lived with us for over a year. We were able to play video games together, run together, eat together, and we even shared a bunk bed. The benefit of living with my teammates is that we can tell each other when we could be doing better and know that no one would take it the wrong want. Nobody gets offended or holds grudges. Funny thing, Anthunie and I are very competitive, so when we play video games together, we both want to win. We were playing FIFA '16 and I always win, but one time he beat me and I was very mad and wanted a rematch (he has never given me that rematch because he is scared).
4. TX MileSplit: What was it that led you to be a runner vs another sport or leisure activity?
Buster: My 8th grade assistant cross country coach led me to be a runner. He told me to try it for one week and if I didn't like it then I could leave. I ended up loving cross country and sticking with it. Another reason I do cross country instead of basketball or soccer is because my school has trouble with doing things as a team. I played basketball my freshman year and it was terrible. The team would get mad and complain about losing the games, but they would show no difference in attitude or effort in practice. So, I stopped and stuck to something I know I can improve in with or without a team...CROSS COUNTRY...
5. TX MileSplit: If Coach Barnett wasn't an educator and an awesome coach, what do you think his career path or profession should be and why?
Buster: If my coach wasn't an educator or coach, I think he would travel the world looking for exotic animals and places as well as doing a lot of photography. I can't see him not being a coach.
6. TX MileSplit: Since 1999, Luling tradition has been for the entire team to jump in the pond at Old Settler's Park when they win a team title. You've done it now for both your freshman and sophomore years. What is it like? Say some crazy person volunteered to jump in with you guys if Luling wins it all in 2016, what would you say he needs to know?
Buster: Jumping into the pond after winning a state meet is awesome! It may have been cold this past year (2015), but it was amazing going in there with my teammates and coach. The year before wasn't nearly as cold, so that felt really good compared to last year. If we do win and somebody were to join in with us, that would be pretty cool, but they would definitely need a dry change of clothes. The water isn't deep at all, anyone can stand up and not be drown. The water will mostly likely be cold, so be prepared!
-BONUS-
The bonus round has five sets of five options that Buster has to pick one from each that he thinks most MileSplit fans would choose and give his explanation.
1.Jordans or Pegasus
Pegasus because I think everyone who follows MileSplit knows that it is a running shoe. Even though, everyone knows what Jordans are, I'd rather wear Pegasus.
2.McDonalds or Whataburger
Absolutely, no doubt about it...WHATABURGER.... After every meet, Luling goes to, we have to stop at WHATABURGER. Never have stopped at McDonalds.
3.Beyonce' or Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift out does Beyonce', in my opinion by a long shot. My favorite song by Taylor Swift is "Mine".
4.American Idol or The Voice
The Voice! I have never seen either one, but I like Miley Cyrus in Hannah Montana and she is pretty hot so....
5. Dallas Cowboys or Houston Texans
Dallas Cowboys.....Dez caught it!
