Hunter Petrik (Mount St. Joseph)
1st, Seahawk Invitational: 15:38.20
Photo by Melissa Rose
Hunter Petrik also returned to a meet he raced in last year this past weekend. After finishing sixth at the 2015 Seahawk Invite, he outlasted a crowded field at this year's meet with a new three mile personal best of 15:38.20. MileSplit asked him about his winning performance from this past weekend.
MileSplit MD: Coming into this year's meet, was you goal to win the race? How did your race strategy play out as the race progressed?
Hunter Petrik: Coming into the meet I knew I had a shot at winning it. The ultimate goal was to finish with the top group because I knew it was an impressive group of guys. My pre-race strategy was just to tag along up top and see what would happen. Once the race started I just went out fast and after leading for the first two miles I wanted to close out as best as I could.
MS: At what point in the race did you realize you had the opportunity to pull away from the rest of the field?
HP: The thought of winning had not crossed my mind until about two miles in. At this point I wanted it bad enough that I figured I should just go for it and give it my all. It was a great race with some great competitors. From the start I knew it would be a close one.
MS: What improvement(s) do you feel you have made in your training (or otherwise) from this point last year?
HP: Going into this season I wanted to step up, not just for myself, but also for my team. We worked hard over the summer and I never want to let my teammates down. I would say the biggest improvement has been my commitment to the sport: never did I think I would become so passionate about something such as cross country.
MS: Your squad at MSJ surprised some people last year, finishing the season with a win over Loyola at the IAAM championships. This year, however, you're not going to take anybody by surprise. Do you like entering meets with the target on your back as a team?
HP: It certainly will be different this year after what we accomplished last year. After gunning for certain spots last year it's going to be a major change having it the other way around. Regardless, the same goals for the team will still be there for us.
MS: You guys are scheduled for the Howard County Invitational this Saturday, which features some of the top teams and runners in Maryland. Who in particular are you looking forward to racing head-to-head against this weekend?
HP: With all the great teams from Maryland showing up to this meet I can't really say that there is anyone specific. Maryland cross country this year is incredibly strong and I think this race is going to be a great one.
MS: Do you have any specific time or place goals this season?
HP: Right now my goal is just to build off Seahawk and some of the upcoming races. These races are a good base for what comes later in the season. Hopefully I can use these early meets to learn and get stronger so that when the championship meet comes around I will be ready to run my best.