2A Meet Zach Weaver: Tennessee Transplant Has Plans Of Taking Over

(Photo by Jeff George)

Tennesse transplant Zach Weaver has plans to shake up class 2A. Weaver moved from Greeneville, Tennessee to Pasco High School in Dade City for his senior season. While in the Volunteer State he finished fourth at the  2013 TSSAA State Track and Field Championships in the 3200m and runner-up in 2014, On the cross country course, Weaver was fifth at the state meet as a junior and finished 55th at Foot Locker South. He was also a part of three Greeneville High School state championship teams (cross country 2011, 2012 and track in 2014). See how his training is going and his outlook on the upcoming season.

How did you get started in the sport?

 

My first year running was 7th grade, but I didn't take it seriously until I started winning races in 8th grade. I don't remember my first race. Probably because I didn't like it,

 

The first three years of your high school career were spent in Greenville, TN. Last year, as a junior you were fifth at the TSSAA State Cross Country Championships and followed that up with a runner up finish in the 3200m in track (9:38.78). Why the move to Florida and Pasco High School?

 

We moved because my dad got a job here. He is director of operations at Neumann Construction. It really wasn't too bad moving.  I was really close with my teammate Wesley Pectol (4:05 at Dream Mile), but he graduated last year and signed with Auburn. So we both kind of moved away. It is a little weird moving to an unfamiliar area and not knowing anyone, but I'm actually excited.

Your sister Cameryn is an incoming sophomore. Tell us a little about her and what it's like to have her on the team.

It's cool that she runs. She's definitely starting to see first hand from me that if she works hard she can become a great runner too. She used to be not very serious about it, but now she's been training hard and hoping to have a greats season beause her freshman track season was ruined cause she got mono. She does some of her tempo runs with me while I have an easy day.

 

What has your training been like lately?

 

My training has been going great! I'm definitely working on taking myself to another level.I love training on the offseason. I look forward to it because that's where your season truly is determined and I know I'm working as hard as anyone in the country right now. I put in 75 miles last week, but I will peak out at 80 and then level off.

Do you have a favorite workout?

20 minute tempo runs are my staple. Long runs are always important in my training too.

 

What would you say your strengths as a runner are?

 

I definitely believe I'm a stronger runner and certainly more distance oriented. I also think training in the east Tennessee hills all my life has helped me stay strong throughout the race and hopefully give me an advantage at any course here since Florida doesn't have too many hilly courses.

 

You ran a personal best of 15:38.00 at Foot Locker South in North Carolina and 15:5924 at the Jesse Owens Classic.  On tough, hilly courses, in Eastern Tennessee you averaged around 16:30 per meet. What are your goals and expectations this year in 2A (and on flatter terrain)?

 

I certainly have high expectations for myself this season. I want to run as fast as I can in the 2A races. I'm training like I'm in the fastest division and that's going to be my outlook at every big 2A race. So regardless of what division I'm in I'm going to make sure I get in some fast races and throw down with the other top guys. My goals this year are to win state. I also want to break fifteen minutes and qualify for Foot Locker Nationals.

Different athletes run for different reasons. What is your favorite part of being a runner?

My favorite thing about running is that it's one of the few sports where success is a direct correlation to how hard you work.
 

We wanted to get in-depth and personal with Zach. Check out the low down.

 

Do you have an all-time favorite course?

 

My favorite course is the Footlocker South course at McAlpine.

 

What quotes or words of wisdom do you look to for inspiration?

 

My favorite quote is hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.

 

What professional track athletes would you like to meet the most?

 

It would be great to meet Galen Rupp or Jordan McNamara.

Is there any particular music that pumps you up before a race?

 

I don't usually listen to music right before a race.

 

If you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be?

 

If I was stranded on an island my 3 things would be bottles of water, Gatorade powder, and peanutbutter and jelly sandwiches  the same thing I eat at some point every day