flrunners: Do you miss running cross-country? What made you decide to give it up completely?
Austin:
I'm a sprinter so I really don't miss running cross-country. The only thing I miss during cross-country season is the feeling on race day. This year during cross-country season I planned on making my official college visits and focusing on training for the upcoming track season.
flrunners: What were the factors bringing you from Oviedo to Oak Ridge?
Austin:
There were a couple factors. My father accepted a job at Oak Ridge. My house was redistricted a couple of years ago from Oviedo, eliminating transportation to Oviedo (my dad had been driving me to school). I don't drive yet. Going with my dad to Oak Ridge solved my transportation situation.
flrunners: You have a great range of events, from sprints to distance to the long jump, have you ever thought about the heptathlon?
Austin:
No, I've never thought about the heptathlon. I enjoy the challenge of trying new events as it keeps things interesting.
flrunners: I saw that you ran an indoor meet at LSU, what else have you been doing during the off-season? What kind of training?
Austin:
I'm running in a few indoor meets during the "off-season". I am focusing on sprint and strength training to prepare for the upcoming outdoor track season.
flrunners: What event will you key on for the post season?
Austin:
400 meters
flrunners: What goals have you set for yourself this year?
Austin:
To run the best 400m during the 2004 season and help Oak Ridge in its attempt to bring the State Outdoor Track and Field Title back to Central Florida.
flrunners: You have been running for many years, how did you get started?
Austin:
I started running track 5 years ago as an 8th grader at Tuskawilla Middle School under Coach Kruzek. Up until then I played soccer competitively for a number of years, but once I started running track I really enjoyed the sport and have been running ever since.
flrunners: Have you narrowed down your college search yet?
Austin:
During the early signing period of November 12-19, I signed with the University of Miami.
flrunners: What do you like to do off the track? Are you involved in any other extra curriculars at school?
Austin:
Off the track I like to relax and sleep. I am on the weightlifting team at Oak Ridge and I also tutor 4th graders in science at Conway Elementary.
flrunners: What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Austin:
Vanilla
flrunners: What is you favorite movie?
Austin:
Save the Last Dance
flrunners: If you could meet any person, alive or dead, who would that person be?
Austin: Allen Iverson