Questions and Answers with Nicky Banzhaf, a member of the women's cross country team:
 
Q: What did you do in the off season to prepare for this season?
A: Our coach gives us workouts that we do. We don't really get long breaks so I am always running.
 
Q: How do you motivate yourself for a race?
A: My biggest motivation is getting my times down. I just think about the time that I want to get before the race. I stay positive and focused and know that I am going to get my times down.
 
Q: What does your pre-race routine look like?
A: I am really laid back and not superstitious. Some people have things that they have to do or they have to wear, but I just make sure that I am prepared for the race. I make sure that I have all the stuff that I need and that I have snacks.
 
Q: What is the hardest part of the race for you?
A: The middle of the race is the hardest part for me. I always start off really good, but the middle is when everything starts to hurt and it's hard to keep myself from just staying in my comfort zone. It makes it hard to keep pushing.
 
 
Questions and Answers with Levi Avila, a member of the men's cross country team:
 
Q: What is your goal for yourself this year?
A: My goal is to constantly better my time and ultimately to help out the team in any way that I can.
 
Q: What is the team's goal and how are you planning on achieving that?
A: Our team goals are to exceed our own expectations and to establish ourselves as a solid contender for conference as well as regionals.
 
Q: How do you handle the nerves before and during competition?
A: Usually the night before the race I will listen to music and that helps me get in the zone. On race day when the gun shoots and the race begins my nerves kind of disappear.
 
Q: How do you maintain focus throughout the race?
A: To maintain focus I try to focus on the person or group ahead of me. I try to close the gap and chase them down. I also try to key in on what coach is telling me to do.