November 2002
Hey Tyler how's it going?
Hey Pat, I'm doing alright, hanging in there.
It has come to my attention that you
will not be running footlocker this year- Why is that? And how disappointing is
this for you?
Well, I've suffered some kind of quad injury. I believe it's a result of
my back problem, which occurred right after the Catholic Invite. Once my
back pain went away my IT band started bothering me. Then, a few days
later I was doing 200's early in the morning [it was pretty cold out] and I felt
the inside of my quad getting really tight. I tried to run that afternoon
and couldn't, and haven't run since. This is extremely disappointing to me.
I've been thinking about this race for a long time.
Well you have had a great XC season , one that will not be forgotten for years
to come, you have recorded some of the fastest times by an LA runner in a few
years and really ever.
I appreciate your sincerity, but if you think about it, I shouldn't be in the
position that I'm in now. What did Sayko do this summer? He put in
miles and got ready for cross, and most importantly, Footlockers. What did
I do? I ran short and hard stuff. I trained for the 1500 and the
3000, and I peaked early August. Then, I only took one week off and went
full swing back into things. The only thing I can say about this is that
I've learned a valuable lesson from it.
How does this feel to be considered
"one" of the best runners to come from LA while you are
still running in HS and could really accomplish so much more?
I really don't think I did anything too great this season. I went out and
ran some decent times early. I ran 15:43 for 5k at Choctaw on September
15th and then came back on September 21st and ran 15:02 for 3 miles to capture
the Tennessee Classic win over then #1 nationally ranked 3 miler Dusty Miller.
I also ran 15:28 for 5k at the Corporate Cup [2nd place was 17:04]. I
haven't had anybody close to me all year and that's probably what makes not
going to Footlockers most disappointing to me. I really don't know how
fast I can run. I ran a few workouts [a few weeks ago] that told me I was
definitely ready to roll. To tell you the truth, I really don't think much
about LA distance running currently. I'm looking outside of LA right now.
That's where everybody is. I'm not going to be content having the title
"the best in LA." I want more and I'm going after it. You
can't look forward if you're constantly looking back.
Well now that XC season has officially come to an end for you - do you
plan on taking rest ... and if so do you have plans for what you
will do in your off time?
I am currently taking a rest. I haven't run in two weeks now and I'm very
grouchy. I'm trying to keep my mind off my problem and I've just been
having fun doing whatever. I don't plan to take too much time off but I
can't start back until feel my leg is ready to go. I'm going to go
conservative [with my comeback] this time.
With not being able to finish out your XC season fully - is there a feeling of
not accomplishing everything that you wanted to and if so do you plan on
applying that to the track...... What are your goals for the track season?
I really think I didn't do jack this cross season. But, I'm going to
forget about it and move on. I am not going to try to make up for anything
in track. I'm not going to kill myself trying to run "extra
fast." I'm going to do what I would regularly do. I'm going to
work hard and God-willing, things will happen. Personally, I don't like to
tell anyone my goals... well, not a lot of people.
Is there any collegiate track programs recruiting you presently? and if so who?
*cough* "LSU is the only one you really need to pay attention to" *cough*
I'm really looking at Arkansas and Alabama right now. I've talked to Coach
McDonnell a bunch of times over the phone and I've conversed with Coach Walker
via email. Coach Elliot has contacted me a few times.
Do you have an idea on what you plan on majoring in college?
I plan on going into the medical field, but from there I'm not sure.
Last question kind of random- but what
does Tyler Hill like to do in his spare time... any hobbies?
I enjoy watching football on TV, playing PS2, playing all the sports in real
life [pickup games here and there], and driving my 300ZX. Oh yeah, this
isn't really a hobby of mine, but I play the piano. I've been playing
since I was in 1st grade. I also enjoy my animals. I have a ton of
them. I have a horse [used to have a few cows], 3 dogs, 3 cats, a snake
[green snake, I keep it inside], 9 ducks, 2 geese, 2 peacocks, some fish, and a
parakeet. We used to have like 30 rabbits that we would raise and eat.
Our animal supply is kind of dwindling mainly because my dad is working in New
York and my Mom and I don't have the time to take care of them.
Well thanks for the interview Tyler
Anytime
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