Talk about transition. Former Flagler Palm Coast miler Sam Vasquez had some adapting to do once he set foot on the campus of the University of Arkansas. First, he had to deal with the radical difference between the Florida and Arkansas weather. In addition, he moved from being one of the nation's top prep milers to the distance running hotbed of Arkansas. Currently a freshman at Arkansas, Vasquez is running for the legendary John McDonnell, and is running alongside top company. Last year at this time, Vasquez was winning in dominating fashion in nearly every race he ran in, but now he's running workouts with Chris Mulvaney - last year\'s 1500-meter runner-up. Not to mention, in his collegiate track debut, Vasquez ran the 800 leg on Arkansas\'s sizzling DMR Team. \"It went alright. I was kind of all by myself. It was nice to get the early jitters out of the way,\" said Vasquez of his collegiate debut.
Humble, soft-spoken, and a man of few words, Vasquez lets his running do the talking for him. This fall was supposed to be a redshirt season, but he surprised his coaches while running unattached during the cross country season. His improvement indicated he was fit, and earned him the honor of ditching the redshirt and lining up in the Razorback jersey for SEC's, Region, and the NCAA Cross Country Championships. \"I\'m glad I got it done and over with. I\'ll know what I'm doing next year at SEC's and Nationals,\" added the freshman of his first season. He cracked the top seven as a true freshman in what seems to be a new breed of distance runners in the \"Track Capital of the World.\" Alistar Cragg\'s eligibility runs out after this season and Jason Sandfort will be a senior next fall. Vasquez heads a talented core of newbies to McDonnell\'s reign of National Crowns.
Cross country was an adjustment time period for Vasquez, who spent time away from a supportive family for the first time. But, the Christmas break rejuvenated him for the track season. \"I\'m more focused now, and reading to run as fast as I can.\" He is surely doing that. This weekend might be one of his stiffest tests yet. He squares off against Kentucky\'s David Freeman and Florida\'s Shane Stroup. They are two of the only SEC runners with mile times better than Vasquez\'s 4:03.5. Lets's not forget about his teammates, either. \"We are looking to score 20 points in the mile,\" said Vasquez of the SEC mile race. The DMR 1200 leadoff leg seems to be the focus for Vasquez, but he isn't quite sure. \"I\'m excited wit our DMR team, but in the back of the mind I\'m thinking I can run a fast mile and do both.\"
He\'s under the tutelage of Cragg and Mulvaney, who between the two, have numerous NCAA Championships. \"I try to imitate what they do in races. It\'s a lot different from high school. Everyone races fast and I\'m getting adjusted to it,\" says Vasquez of the new world at the NCAA level. The training has been a radical adjustment for Vasquez, but he\'s learning to lean on McDonnell\'s knowledge and passion for running. \"I think he consistently brings in the best guys. Then the workouts are so intense, but you definitely get used to it. When races come, you are used to the pain,\" commented Vasquez on McDonnell's workouts. During the fall, Vasquez has memories of running mile repeats on their golf course in the 4:30 range. \"You have to tough and strong mentality to keep going on those workouts.\"
Sam admits to being tired to be involved in much at Arkansas, but enjoys watching the Razorback football and basketball games. \"Honestly, there\'s not a lot to do here. I hang out a lot with the guys. This team is so close and we have eighteen freshman,\" said the newcomer to Fayetteville.
Vasquez isn\'t running like he's tired these days. He is focused on his first trip to NCAA\'s this March in Fayetteville. He\'s driven by the quest for a sub four minute mile, a DMR title, and a team National Championship, which would chalk up yet another title for McDonnell. They might have to repaint the sign each year with guys like Vazquez coming in year in year out. Having Mulvaney as a training partner is paying dividends. \"I hope to be as fast as he is some day,\" concludes Vasquez.