LR: So Zach, what made you choose to run for Princeton?
Zach Albright: For me, priority number one was always academics, so that really helped me narrow my search down. I talked to a lot of great coaches with tremendous programs, but ultimately, I took visits to Notre Dame, Duke, Harvard, and Princeton. All four were pretty similar, so it just came down to where I felt the most comfortable, and for me, that was Princeton. When I was on my visit I just knew it was where I wanted to go. Its a perfect fit for me, and I couldn't be more excited.
LR: How are you going to manage running on a very competitive team and also studying at an Ivy League school?
Zach: It's just gonna take a whole lot of discipline and time management on my part. All the guys on the team manage it, so it can't be too bad.
LR:. What do you plan on majoring there and why?
Zach: I haven't decided just yet, but I'm leaning towards something in business. I don't have to declare until midway through my sophomore year though, so I have time.
LR: You broke the composite 1600 indoor state record with a time of 4:15.90…how does it feel?
Zach: Man, it feels incredible. I got the record last year, so it wasn't as special as the first time. But it still feels pretty good. It's always great to get a PR and win a state championship, and this was no exception.
LR: Going off of my last question, how did you achieve such an amazing accomplishment?
Zach: I really wanted to go out and give an all out effort. I knew I was capable of faster than the 4:18 from 2 weeks before, so I really just went for it. But it's just an awesome feeling and a testament to all the hard work our team has put in over the years.
LR: What are your goals for outdoor season, and how do you expect to accomplish them?
Zach: Well indoor is not over yet, I'll be up in New York in two weeks. So I'm trying to stay focused on that right now. As far as after that that, I definitely plan on having a big outdoor season, but I try not to worry a lot about what I'm going to run at the end of the season. The best thing I can do now is just work hard everyday, and the big results will come.
LR: What has the program at St. Paul’s taught you?
Zach: I think the biggest thing is the importance of being a unified team. When everyone's best friends, it really makes for a great atmosphere. If you enjoy hanging with your teammates, it makes running more fun, which encourages you to train that much harder. I've found that our success is directly proportional to the sense of comradery we share.
LR: You’re moving on in your running career. What are some of your goals as you go to the next level?
Zach: My goal is to help Princeton in anyway I can. They have lofty goals as a team year in and year out, and I'm excited to help them strive for those goals. Personally, It's a huge dream of mine to break 4. But the most I can do is just work hard over the next four years, and it'll all take care of itself.
LR: If we asked them, how do you think your friends and/or teammates would describe you?
Zach: That I'm a pretty relaxed guy who likes to mess around a lot, but I know when to buckle down and get things done.
LR: We know you’re a runner, a student, a family member, etc. What is something that most people don’t know about you?
Zach: I'm a huge sports fan. Any sport, I just love it.
Zach Albright pictured here with DC Lipani of St. Paul's who also just signed to run in college at LSU.
LR: Who would you say is the most inspiring person in your life, and why? (This could be an athlete, scholar, family member, etc.)
Zach: I'd have to say my dad. Not necessarily in a running sense, even though he was pretty good himself. He ran a 4:30 for Rummel back in the 70s despite only running as a junior and senior. But really from his approach to life. He's a successful doctor who is where he is because he works harder than anyone. If you work hard, good things will happen. The same applies to running. He's also the one who got me into running. When I was an 8th grader he took me to outdoor state and I decided to join the sport that day. I remember I was just mesmerized with guys like Mitch Landry and Cole Stafford. Two years later, I was in the state meet racing those two guys. That was definitely the coolest moment of my career. I even beat one of them! My dad has been my biggest supporter and I've been blessed to have him there for me. Couldn't have done it without him.
LR: Thanks Zach!
<p> Are you running/jumping/throwing in college? Have we not added you to our series "Class of 2014:Where are you going?" 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>
