Interview with Arkansas\'s Tyler Hill

LouisianaRunning.com:Tyler looking back on your highschool running career - you have won numerous Mississippi State Championships and even set a few records. Would you say that you are satisfied with what you have accomplished and that you have no regrets with branching from the highschool world of running to the collegiate one?

Tyler Hill:Well Pat, as far as being satisfied with my accomplishments......... I don't really know. I can honestly say that I'm pretty much pleased with my MPSA achievements. I did basically all that you can do in the MPSA. Now, for the rest of high school running, I can't really say that I did much at all. I wasn't able to run any big meets this year. I ran a good one in cross [Tennessee Classic] and one in track [Golden South Classic]. Both resulted in a win, but the competition wasn't what I hoped it would be. Looking back on my high school career as a whole I would say that it was good for a number of reasons. I got a lot of experience by doing things myself and learning the hard way, something I might not have gotten to undergo if I had attended a larger school with more competitive runners. To answer your question directly, yes overall I'm satisfied with all that happened in my highschool days or running. I probably should have done a number of things differently, but I really don't think I would be who I am today if things would have been done differently.

LR:You have decided to go to Arkansas to join the prestigous razorback distance program. Knowing first hand that picking a college can be a tough and at times stressful decision- would you say you came upon your decison lightly? ( what is the full list of colleges you looked at going to)

Tyler Hill:Choosing a college was very stressful before I made any of my visits. I did not have a clue as to which university that I would be attending this year. I really believe that I put more pressure on myself than I should have. After I made my few visits it was basically an easy decision. I took every path possible to choosing a university [one that showed interest in me]. I prayed, visited the school, discussed with family and friends, looked at websites, scrutinized the academic side the things, etc. I figured the final decision would be a lot harder and I also thought the pre-decision stuff would be fun. Sure, the trips and stuff were fun, but those people sure like to make you feel guilty and the LOVE pressuring you [and most of the time they really don't care about you that much]. I made three official visits my senior year: Arkansas, Alabama, and Belmont. I looked around the McNeese campus my junior year and of course I've seen the LSU campus and talked to the coach.

LR:Again dwelling on your accomplishments you had immidiate success at a young age winning state as a mere freshman. Are you scared at all to be coming from an era in your life where you had little competition, always being in front to a totally different environment where in fact the opposite will occur (at least initially) - ridiculous amounts of comp and finding yourself running in the back of the pack.

Tyler Hill:Running against people that will crush me does not really scare me. I've gotten paddled before and I know it's gonna happen plenty more times. It's definitely going to be nothing but an uphill climb for awhile. I do think you have a point though about me coming from an atmosphere where I was the man, to going to a place where I'm considered the towl boy. It's going to be something new for me and it's going to be tough to swallow, but I think that once I do get it down the ole throat then I'll be fine. I do understand though that's it going to be tough. I can't say much more than that.

LR:What are your thoughts on fellow Louisiana Runners Michael Hendry and Will Rogers. One who is at Arkansas and the other which will be joining you.

Tyler Hill:I'm really excited about having a few fellow LA guys in Arkansas with me. I think that it'll make things a little easier up there, actually knowing a few guys. I've known Michael for a long time and I met Will on the trip and he seems like a really cool guy. So, I'm sure it will be fun having a few of us representing LA.

LR:John Mcdonell is the most successful coach in NCAA history (all sports). Do you think he can/ will bring you to the next level in your running?

Tyler Hill:I'm really feeling the vibes with Coach McDonnell. He definitely knows what he's doing. I mean the proof is in the pudding. I'm putting my complete faith in the man as to the fact that he'll pull me to the top. He may have to send the rescue workers down the side of the mountain to pull me up but he'll get me to the top. I'm ready to make that conversion.

And lastly, I WILL ALWAYS REPRESENT LOUISIANA. I WILL ALWAYS STAND FOR LOUISIANA. I'M A LOUISIANA BOY THROUGH AND THROUGH, BORN AND RAISED. Ethel is my home town, I love Ethel, and that's all there is to it.

LR: Thanks Tyler for your time.