Class of 2014 Tommy Brocato of St. Thomas Aquinas to LSU

<p> Our series detailing where our Louisiana runners, jumpers, and throwers will be heading next year for the graduating class of 2014. Get a little insight into where they will be competing and what went into their decision to compete at the next level fort their respective choices. &nbsp;Not only will it be an interesting article for our Louisjana Running Milesplit viewers to read, but this series will also alert us and enable us to track you in the future for our series &quot;Louisiana Alumni&#39;s Report&quot;. &nbsp;Class of 2014 please consider participating!</p>

Louisiana Running: What made you choose LSU?

Tommy: LSU's track and field/cross country program made me want to choose the school. They have a wonderful student athlete support system to help the athletes academically. Also, the coaches and athletes made me feel like I was at home. 

LR: What kind of subject academically interests you, and do you have any idea on what you may be majoring in? If so, what and why?

I have always enjoyed math and science since I was younger. I am planning to major in computer engineering at LSU because it involves both of my academic interest, math and science.

LR: How did you begin your running career?

I began my running career when I was in the first grade at a summer running camp at St. Thomas. I went to the camp for fun and Coach Jose Becerra told my parents that I needed to get in touch with his brother, Coach Miguel, and start to train with him. From there I went and trained with Coach Miguel and I joined his Southeast Louisiana Roadrunners Club. 

LR: How did you prepare yourself for indoor?

I prepared for indoor by training hard every day, along with weight training and healthy eating. I really enjoy the indoor season, and I wanted to do my best. 

LR:  What are your goals for outdoor season, and how do you expect to accomplish them?

My goals are to get some big PRs in the 800, 1600, and 3200 this outdoor season. I will try to  accomplish these goals by getting some hard practices in and follow what my coach tells me to do.

LR: Every runner seems to have some pre-race rituals. Other than specific meals and your warmup routine, is there anything you do leading up to race day to help you relax?

I do not really have any specific pre race rituals, except for that the night before I usually eat some of my mom's chicken spaghetti. Other than that I usually try to keep myself calm before the race. I don't really get to superstitious before a race. 

LR: You’re moving on in your running career. What are some of your goals as you go to the next level?

As I move into the next level, I really just want to try my best to compete with the other athletes and get better at the events I will be competing in. 

LR: If you could trade lives with any professional athlete, who would it be?

If I could trade lives with any professional athlete, I would chose Peyton Manning. He shows true sportsmanship and his love for his sport. He is one of the best at his job as a quarterback and has huge respect from not only fans, but other players. It would be awesome to be a role model for so many people like he is.

LR: This fall, you still get to represent Louisiana when you race. What will running for LSU mean to you?

Running for LSU will be a huge dream come true for me because I have always wanted to go to a large university and run for them. LSU is also a big state school and after growing up around the school it really feels like home. Being able to represent the state of Louisiana at LSU will be a great honor. 

<p> Are you running/jumping/throwing in college? Have we not added you to our series &quot;Class of 2014:Where are you going?&quot; &nbsp;Drop us an email at pat@louisianarunning.com including a picture of your signing (if you have one), where you will be competing, and in what event. Thanks!</p>