University of Richmond Athletics
2004-05 Spider Track and Cross Country Question and Answer with... Kate Merrill
01/25/2005 | Cross Country
Jan. 25, 2005
Freshman Kate Merrill was selected as the 2004 Richmond Women's Outstanding Rookie after garnering a Top-10 All-Conference finish at the Atlantic 10 Championships. Merrill, a native of Durham, N.C., ran in four races this season and earned A-10 Rookie of the Week honors Sept. 27. The conference honor came after the Paul Short Invitational where she ran a 6K time of 22:10.1. Her best 6K time came at the Pre-National event in Terre Haute, Ind., where she turned in a 22:06.0. In high school she was a multiple state champion in North Carolina and was a Footlocker National Championship Finalist in 2002.
She took some time between the fall and winter seasons to answer a few questions about her success, why she came to Richmond and the current track & field season.
Why did you decide to attend the University of Richmond?
--In my college search, I was particularly looking for a Division 1 school for athletics that still had a smaller, liberal-arts school atmosphere. I wanted a strongly competitive DI school in terms of cross-country and also a school that would allow me to explore different academic areas without feeling overwhelmed. When I came to visit University of Richmond, I immediately realized the school offered exactly what I wanted: Division 1 with small college atmosphere. I met with the coaches and knew they were willing to work with me and offer me all the support I would need to succeed both in academics and athletics.
What is your major?
--Undecided, but maybe political science or psychology
How have you managed to balance the academic pressures of college and athletics?
--So far, I think I have managed. Discipline becomes extremely important when trying to create a schedule that will maximize success, so a schedule helps me to allocate enough time to study and practice. I always leave some free time in order to take some rest, which leaves me feeling refreshed for approaching school and running. When I do find myself struggling, I feel that there is so much support out there for the student-athlete, and I feel like I can always find help if I need it for a particular class or an aspect of running.
What was your first impression of your coaches and how has he helped you develop as an athlete?
--I knew I wanted Coach Taylor to be my coach after talking to her in my college search. She is very understanding and willing to work with the runner as an individual. I could tell she coaches team success while at the same time understanding each individual becomes successful a little differently. Coach Taylor I knew upon first meeting would be willing to take the time to talk to me if I need to, and will help in any way. I have already learned so much and am developing as an athlete especially in my psychological approach to the race; I have gained more confidence and toughness to stay strong through the end of a race.
What is the main difference between running in high school and running in college?
--In high school, I did not have a very big team and did most of running on my own. It takes time adjusting to running with a group, but it is definitely a great change. As I expected coming in, the training in college is more rigorous than high school training- there is more time spent training. There is also more care in particular reason for the training. Each workout serves as a piece of a coherent training schedule that maximizes success.
You were the Spiders top freshman at the Pre-NCAA Championship race, what was that race experience like?
--I must admit, I was extremely nervous approaching the line in Indiana. I definitely had some doubt, as there were so many people there, I felt somewhat overwhelmed in the excitement. I was simply scared; it was the first big meet. I took it out a little fast, and found myself wondering with whom I should settle. But halfway through the first loop, I began to feel a bit more relaxed, and the coaches were all giving encouragement from the side. The experience was exhilarating, even after finishing with the expected tiredness of racing. Crossing the finish line, I immediately felt more confident in myself after completing a big race 6K.
Tell us about the Atlantic 10 Conference Cross Country Championship race and what you went through?
--I came into the A-10s knowing this was one of the most important meets of the season. UR had won the year before, and I really wanted to be a part of a winning team again. The conference meet had somewhat fewer people in it, which made it easier to focus on particular target runners to pass or pace from. At the start line, the whole team was really pumped and I felt prepared to race, and I felt fast. Unfortunately, I think some of the excitement led me to take it out a little bit faster than usual in the beginning, and towards the end I was regretting my pacing job. But the whole time I was just focusing on staying strong, something I was learning in the college program here. In the end, I was a little disappointed our team didn't pull out the win, but I am positive next year we will be able to, as no one is even graduating. I think I learned a lot in not winning.
Based on your experiences what do you feel it will take to continue to be successful at the Atlantic 10 Championships, as a team and individual?
--As an individual, I need to continue to get stronger- both mentally and physically. I need to learn how to better concentrate through the middle of the race and keep up the pace and learn to run smart. I need to continue working on my speed some, as well, which can help at the end of the race. As a team, I think we need to stick together and use each other more in the race for encouragement and confidence. We need to continue to work hard and train together in order to keep being successful.
How have you run this year compared to your expectations coming into your first collegiate cross country season?
--This year definitely exceeded all expectations. Coming into college, I wasn't sure what to expect from running with a team and how that would fit into my training and school in general. I had such a great time working and training together. In terms of my individual racing, I think I passed my expectations, as I have become used to the 6K instead of the high school 5K and am continuing to improve my times.
What would you say the highlight of your career has been to this point at Richmond?
--Although the college running has only begun, I think the highlight so far has been running in the conference meet. I learned so much about specific aspects of running that I can improve upon for this coming track season and was excited to stand with Amanda and Nicole for the all-conference awards.
What drew you to cross country?
--I like the simplicity of the challenge. The faster you run, the more successful you are. There is no way around it. You can see the direct relationship between training and racing, and it is nice to see efforts pay off in big meets.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
--In my spare time, I spending time with friends and relaxing.
