Hagerty senior Andrew Stivers was 12th at the 4A Cross Country Finals and is the 9th fastest returner coming into the 2015 season with his 16:09.60 from the state meet. Stivers opened up the season this past weekend with a third place finish at the Mike Gibson Summertime Run. We caught up with him to talk about the upcoming year! (Photo by Jeremy Danzie)
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I have been running since the beginning of 7th grade when we had to do a mile time trial for football. I ran 6:30 for my first ever run and was the fastest in my grade that day. That made the track coaches happy and they convinced me to come out for track that year. Since then, I've been running ever since.
Do you remember your first real race?
That 7th grade year during track season they put me in the mile. At this time I was living in Frisco, Texas where there are over a dozen middle-schools in the city. We were at a Quad meet and I thought it was crazy how many people were there (not many, like 200 parents). I was still a baby runner so I didn't know any better than to run in my most comfortable shoes....my basketball shoes! So I jogged and then stretched for 5 minutes or so then we all went to the line. The gun goes off and all these kids start sprinting, however one of them didn't die he held the pace and went on to win by 20 seconds or more. I came in 3rd or 4th with a time of 6:05 or so. I will never forget this race because that crazy, fast kid in the front turned into one of my best running friends in Texas, Carter Blunt who is now competing on the high-school national level (big motivator to me).
How is your summer training going?
My summer training is definitely going better than it ever has. Before my Sophomore year, I ran around 50 miles before XC season. Before Junior year, I ran around 100 miles. I quickly realized how important summer training is and set a strong plan for this summer and I've been very consistent with my training. I got to go to Warrior Running Camp in Babson Park with some of my teammates and some cool runners from Lake Mary as well. With all of this, plus doing some cross training, I feel very confident that this season is going to be productive.
What is your favorite workout?
This might sound crazy but I really enjoy mile repeats. This workout not only pushes you past your limit, but it also allows you to practice controlled pacing for a race which is vital in distance running. It's also a great workout for the team as a whole because the guys know that we are all going through the same struggle and that keeps us going when we feel like slowing down or not finishing.
Which meets will you be running in this year?
The big meets I'll be attending are Pre-State and the UF Mt. Dew Invite. Very excited for these courses with hills because there aren't many courses like them in the state of Florida. Hoping to do either Footlocker or Nike as well but I won't decide on that till later. The rest of our races will mostly be in the East Orlando and Central Florida region.
Do you have a favorite course?
My favorite course would have to be Apalachee Regional Park due to the atmosphere and the surface (crushed shell on the backside of course). The downhills make it fun and fast, but the Wall can make or break your race. Chain of Lakes in Titusville is definitely a close second for me due to the speed of it.
What do you think is the toughest course in the state?
The toughest course in the state for me at least is probably the NTC Clermont course, I am not a fan especially when it's storming during the race.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
My mile PR stands out the most at the moment due to the crazy finish in the Regional track meet. This is cool because this time is the school record at Hagerty. This was one of the most fun races of my life cause I was almost sure that I was going to PR. Even though it didn't necessarily end the way I wanted it to, this race was still one of my favorites.
What are your goals for the upcoming cross country season?
As a team I want to qualify for regionals! We have a solid group this year and we can do this as long as we stay focused. Personally I want to be one of the best in the state of Florida. I know that takes a lot of work; but to be content with myself at the end of this season, I have to end cross country as the very best I can be.
What do you love most about running?
I love that almost anyone can do it, but really the friends you make from all over the running community are really cool too. It's cool to meet people who find as much passion in something as you do. I love running for the experiences you obtain along the way.
Finish the sentence... Andrew Stivers is ____.
Andrew Stivers is an attacker.
The Low Down
We wanted to get in-depth and personal with Andrew. Check out the low down.
Do you have a favorite quote?
"There is no need for that, the hay is already in the barn." -My current Coach Jay Getty "You will be Gentlemen, Scholars, and Athletes, in that order" - Former WPHS Coach Mike Hill
Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?
Definitely one song that gets me going like no other, but it's a secret! We don't have a team chant or a team prayer or a walk holding hands to the line ritual...but maybe since it's my senior year we'll put one together.
What is your favorite food?
Definitely fruit smoothies and pasta. Tasty and always hits the spot nutritionally as well.
What was the last movie you saw and what did you think of it?
The last movie I watched happens to be one of my all time favorites: The Dark Knight. As we all know, it is always hard to rank movies, however this one has earned its spot in my top 5 All-time. (P.S. great performance by Heath Ledger)
What brand of shoes do you train/race in?
I've always raced in Nike wether that be basketball shoes or spikes. I tend to bounce around on trainers going from Nike to New Balance to Saucony and finally Brooks.
What professional athlete would you like to meet the most?
Probably Tim Tebow just because of how he carries his faith in God with him no matter where he goes. Even if his beliefs will cause people to view him differently, he still continues to stay strong in his faith. Definitely a big role model to me growing up.
What is something most people don't know about you?
I am good with heights but can't handle large roller-coasters. When I started running in middle school before I knew anything about running or anything about how fast people can run; my one running goal since day one was to break 4 minutes in the mile in high school.
Lastly, if you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be?
I'd take my teammates, fishing supplies, and a boat to get home after we are done having a blast on this island!