Joe has shown what hard work and dedication can do. Joe went from an avg. sprinter to one of Kansas all time best. His speed took him to the SEC where he runs for the Auburn Tigers.
For me personally this was a great Interview and a chance to get to know Joe, I remember watching him run at 2011 state meet and how fast anmd impressed i was with this kid. Joe ended his career at Valley Center with the #2 all time 100m time at 10.35, he also is listed at #7 in the 200m at 21.12. Joe has been at Auburn for 3 years now and as a sophomore became a NCAA All-American in the 4x100 relay.
With 2 full season under hi belt at Auburn look for a break outseason from Joe at Auburn.
Good Luck Joe the eyes of Kansas will be watching and waiting.
Q1 - When did you get started in track and field and did you start out as a distance runner?
My track career started in 7th grade as a sprinter. thanks to my hs coach Daniel smith, he told me "it'll be the best decision you will make as an athlete." I think that was his selling point, but we both had no idea what my career manifested into.
Q2 - Winning 4individual titles im sure you had plenty of D1 offers why did you decide on Auburn?
Having so many offers made things stressful and complicated so the best way I went about it was looking at my offers regionally, where in the united states am I wanted the most? nearly all of the attention came out of the south and surprisingly the SEC. Then I did some research on those schools based on Academics and the sprint events they were strong in. I chose Auburn because the school is one of the top research Universities in the country and short sprint programs. My official visit tightened everything up, there is no place like Auburn, plus you have to go here to understand. "I believe in Auburn and love it"
Q3 - Have you chosen a major and if so what is it?
Yes, ironically my major is Fitness, Conditioning, and performance.
Q4 - Joe you have some of the fastest times ever in the state of kansas reflecting back now that you are in college how do you feel about the things you accomplished in HS?
I'm satisfied with my HS accomplishments, I was in a era internationally where kids were pushing through a new threshold as a whole with times concerning the 100m and to be apart of that movement is exciting.
Q5 - What were a couple of your most memorable races from HS?
my first memorable race from HS was from my Jr. year, bursting onto the scene with a 10.44 wind legal time in the 100m to later that night dropping a 21.17 out of lane 8 at the great southwest track classic in New Mexico. that day caught me by surprise because of the .8 PR in the 200, I took a risk in training to take my chances and peak at the Great southwest. previously at state I lost my 200m race by .02. My final memorable race was at regionals SR. year where I ran a 10.35, this race means dearly to me now because the man holding my blocks that race passed away in an accident a year ago.
Q6 - Is there anything you would do differently?
Things happen for a reason, if i could go back and do things differently I would have quit being a multi-sport athlete and do summer track. I did my Jr. year for recruiting purposes and the lengthly season hindered my performance and made that transition to college much more difficult.
Q7 - What is the biggest difference running in college compared to HS EXCLUDING the compititon?
The biggest difference running in college compared to HS. excluding the competition would be the mindset. you are expected of certain things and have a job to take care of.
Q8 - Do you have any pre-race rituals?
Yes, my pre-race ritual is taking some time while I'm warming up to name all the things that I'm thankful for in my life, trust me the list is long.
Q9 - What is is like running in the SEC?
Running in the SEC is the most electrifying conference to compete in. As a whole no other schools have the firepower in the sprints. Races are separated by hundredths of a second at the SEC championships.
Q10 - What are some goals you have for yourself going into your JR year at Auburn?
First and for most my goals are to PR my HS times. I do that and then some more doors are opened up.
Q11 - Do you miss Ks?
I miss my family in KS time to time but the south has converted me and growing up into the young adult I'm in I call the south my home now.
Q12 - Joe you ran a 10.35 100m and a 21.12 in HS yet you havent reached those times again in college can you give us some insight as to why?
Yes, things come in time, my SR. year after the first track meet I had a L5 pars defect. aka stress fracture in my back on the last vertebrae from lifting. when I came into Auburn I had to sit the entire offseason so I did not start training until mid October. Getting plugged into a new system like that from not starting on time hindered my performance plus my body was changing chemically, I was adjusting to other stimuluses in life such as college, and all the things that come along to taking care of yourself. So my Sophomore year was a building year, now that I'm into my Jr. Year responding to workouts, this year will be exciting. Some time trials were done before thanksgiving break and i can assure my PRs will be taken care of.
Q13 - Do you feel that you have been a forgotten runner coming from Ks and leaving for Auburn?
I do not feel forgotten about, I've gone into the record books that I hope Someday someone will better.
Q14 - What is your favorite tv show?
At times I forget television exists, but recently my favorite movie is Rush. Its very inspirational and has impacted the way I view competing in sports.
Q15 - Favorite food?
My Favorite food would have to be a juicy steak
Q16 - Describe yourself in 1 word?
Persistant
Q17 - What animal describes you best?
A Tiger, I'm All Auburn All in.
Q18 - What advice would you give to the HS readers that are wanting to run in college?
The best advice I can give to HS readers wanting to run in college is make sure its something you love, do not quit on your dreams, I still believe in mine. and most importantly get your coach involved on sending information out. do not be afraid to be proactive with schools, there are some rules on talking to a collegiate coach but there is no harm getting your information out there. many schools have recruitment questionnaires that may be filled out that can be found on athletic page.