Interview with Silliman's Tyler Hill

Tyler Hill


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