University of Richmond Athletics
20 Questions with Adam Owens
11/30/2011 | Cross Country
Editor's Note: Throughout the 2011 season we will sit down with a Spider cross country runner each week and have them answer a set of 20 questions about their lives both on and off the course. This week we interview sophomore Adam Owens, who was most recently the Spiders' fourth finisher at the NCAA Southeast Regional Championship on Nov. 12 in Louisville.
RichmondSpiders.com (RS): What sets Richmond XC/Track & Field apart from other programs?
Adam Owens (AO): The program has overcome the odds that limit a team without athletic scholarships to become a group of runners who establish courage and brazenness on the course and manifest fear in the minds of rival competitors.
RS: What has been your favorite road trip while competing as a Spider? Why?
AO: Our trip to the 2011 Indoor A-10 Championships in the interesting colonial town of Newport, R.I., was fun because of the scenic views of the harbor from the Newport Bridges. I also enjoyed sharing a room with Andrew Benford, who won the 3k and 5k that weekend in stunning fashion.
RS: Of all your teammates, past or present, from whom have you learned the most and why?
AO: Spider alum ('11) Tim Quinn demonstrated how patient poise, consistent quality during hard training and an intelligent attitude result in great achievements as both a distance runner and as a student-athlete.
RS: With the cross country season now at an end, how are you feeling heading into the upcoming indoor season?
AO: After being a part of the varsity travel squad this fall, I have begun to understand the sacrifices and mentality required for competitive races, so I am hoping I can apply some lessons I've learned into the indoor season.
RS: Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions?
AO: I'm a firm believer that only preparedness yields triumph in a race, but I used to eat a four-leaf clover for good luck.
RS: What is the greatest piece of advice you've ever received in the sport?
AO: Ask yourself, "Can I give more?" The answer is always yes.
RS: What is the strangest thing you've ever experienced or seen happen during a race?
AO: During an out-and-back road race, I witnessed a middle-aged weekend warrior running with a Mountain Dew in hand in place of a water bottle.
RS: Will you please finish this sentence? If I stopped running, I would be...
AO: I would hike up mountain trails and bike down country roads.
RS: If your teammates gave you a superlative, what would it be?
AO: "Most Likely to Win Survivor" and "Most Likely to Run Away and Join the Circus".
RS: Who do you consider your role models both in and out of the sport?
AO: In the sport, pro marathoner Meb Keflezighi has proved just how far discipline and work ethic can carry one toward his goals. Out of the sport, my uncle Don Owens has been my biggest supporter and role model in my life.
RS: What is your major and dream job?
AO: I'm majoring in Geography and my dream job would involve getting paid to manually map trails for national parks. In other words, getting paid to go hiking.
RS: If you could create a new class on campus, what would it be called?
AO: I'd make an "Extreme Fitness" Wellness requirement that forces average students to participate in cross country practice runs.
RS: Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?
AO: The sauna in the Weinstein Center is a great place to relax.
RS: If you could go on a run with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
AO: It would be Billy Mills, Olympic 10k champ and proud Native American citizen, because he would teach me how to run fast while maintaining a free-spirited persona.
RS: What's your favorite pro sports team? Favorite athlete?
AO: My family unconditionally roots for the Redskins, but I enjoy watching Michael Vick play football, regardless of his personal history.
RS: If you could be on any TV show or in any movie, what would it be? Why?
AO: I would love to be a character on the TV drama Dexter.
RS: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what one person and thing would you like to have with you?
AO: I'd bring a friendly canine or feline companion.
RS: If you could have the perfect meal prepared for you, what would it be?
AO: A large quantity of sushi, lobster tails, crab cakes and fresh oysters.
RS: What's on your Christmas list this year?
AO: A huge RV and endless amounts of cash, but realistically just some holiday cheer.
RS: What's something interesting about you that most people don't know?
AO: I used to be a much better soccer player than teammate Chris York.
