Sports

Anthony Pham on Coaching CU Tennis: It's All About the Players

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Anthony Pham on Coaching CU Tennis: It's All About the Players Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 07/16/2024 - 00:00

Andrew Daigle

Anthony Pham was named Colorado tennis associate head coach in February 2021 and head coach just five months later. Since then, the team has seen a remarkable program turnaround, and they’ve become like family.

What attracted you to Colorado?

We were living in Madison, Wisconsin, and it was the thick of COVID. We were trying to figure out where to live long term. The opportunity at CU was fate. My wife is a CU graduate. When she heard about the coach opening, she said we needed to jump at it. I've never met anyone who went to CU and had a negative experience. And with the tennis program, there was so much potential.

Quickly after arriving, you became the seventh head coach in program history. How did that change your responsibilities and relationships?

I was previously a head coach at a small Division 1 school. Coaching at a mid-major compared to a Power 5 school, budgets and responsibilities are different, but that job prepared me a lot. You have to gain the players’ trust, and they have to know you always have their best interests in mind. Getting the opportunity to become head coach is something I don’t take lightly. As head coach, you’re scheduling, recruiting, doing everything an assistant coach does, but it’s tenfold. The number-one priority doesn’t change. It’s all about the players.

How do you find good people, not just good players?

We try to be as thorough as possible. The team is an extended part of my family. We spend so much time with these players. On a small team, one person can upset the balance. In terms of recruiting, we visit with them and their family. We talk to their coaches and other coaches. There are a lot of good tennis players, but there aren’t as many tennis players who are also good people and good students.

What goes into building a competitive Power 5 conference tennis program?

We focus on development. We find people for whom the best tennis is still ahead. Kids start playing tennis early, and sometimes they burn out. We want student-athletes who want to keep improving, to be part of a program that is making headway and doing things that haven’t been done before.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I empower players to know that when they play, they are prepared. They are going to compete in a first-class manner. We want to win like crazy, but it’s not all about winning. It’s about doing the right things every day. You can’t really control winning and losing, but you can control a lot of variables that go into winning. Obviously, if we don’t have success, we reassess some things and try again.

Can you coach players during matches?

If you go to a normal junior tournament as a coach, you’re not allowed to coach at all. You can only cheer. But with college, it’s completely different. We can sit on the sideline with our players and talk to them at every changeover. You have to know when to talk, which buttons to push and when to keep your mouth shut if your player is rolling.

How are the fall and spring seasons different?

Spring is the championship season. It’s when we play our dual and conference matches. Fall is shorter. It’s our developmental season. We bring a player in, and we will make some minor adjustments to their game. We start setting our standards, creating expectations with players, building the bond within the team. In the fall, we’re giving them two or three things to focus on. And the hope is when the spring season comes around, those things that were uncomfortable in the fall are now strengths.

What stands out to you about CU Athletics?

It starts at the top. Rick George is the most personal athletic director I’ve been around. At matches, he’s fired up, he knows all the players, and all the players know him. And we have great academic support, nutrition, trainers, an amazing strength coach. CU offers the best of three worlds: great location, great academics, top-notch athletics.

Can you speak to what college tennis offers that differs from training academies or private coaching?

Tennis is a very individual sport. Growing up, if you’re playing a tournament, it’s usually you and your coach or a parent. College is completely different. You’re on a team, and everyone is committed. The more you improve as individuals, the more it helps the team. When we play a match, there’s energy from court to court. Your teammates are pumping you up, supporting you. When you’re playing a tournament by yourself, whether you win or lose affects maybe a couple people. With college tennis, there are so many others affected.

What’s something you like to do off the court?

I love spending time with my wife and son. They come to all our matches, they’re great supporters. Whether I’m with our team here or my family at home, that's where I find the most enjoyment.

Interview by Andrew Daigle.

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Photos by Glenn Asakawa

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Shedeur Sanders Readies for Second Season

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Shedeur Sanders Readies for Second Season Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 07/16/2024 - 00:00

Andrew Daigle

On April 27, 2024, Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (Soc’25) made a welcome return to Folsom Field for the team’s annual Black and Gold Game. Sanders finished 10-14 for 116 yards and a touchdown in the rain-shortened scrimmage.

“We were comfortable, seeing everything eye-to-eye. Everybody got to showcase their talents today,” said Sanders.

Sanders was one of 57 transfers to join the Buffs in 2023. While this offseason has had similar turnover with more than 40 transfers, the difference is elevated personnel.

“We have a plethora of receivers, and I cannot wait to see them work together this summer. Shedeur is going to be the happiest man in the building,” said head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders.

Four months stand between the Spring Game and August 29 opener against North Dakota State, giving Shedeur Sanders the opportunity to connect with new receivers and a revamped offensive line.

“I talk a lot to the receivers about the reads and progressions. I hang out with my offensive linemen. We go eat. We cook. We do everything together. That’s where we build our bond,” said Sanders.

Sanders, projected to be ranked as high as No. 1 in the 2025 NFL Draft after throwing for 3,230 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2023, is intent on improving his off-the-field leadership.

“I can become more vocal. On the field, they know what they’re getting. But off the field, you need to let guys know they’re always valued,” said Sanders.

With Colorado returning to the Big 12 this season, Coach Prime has promised a talent overhaul and a bowl game to famed CU superfan Peggy Coppom (A&S’46).

"[We have] another caliber of player, a player that truly expects to go to the next level," Coach Prime said. “They want the physicality, they want all the smoke.”

But the offseason is far from over.

"This summer is definitely going to be a grind," said Sanders.

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Photo courtesy University of Colorado

As football’s QB1 gears up for a second year leading the Buffs, he’s focused on embracing change and building on a transcendent debut season.

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How Michael Washington is Uncovering Nature in L.A.

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

How Michael Washington is Uncovering Nature in L.A. Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 07/16/2024 - 00:00

Kiara Demare

A decade after graduating, Michael Washington (Jour’12) longed for the outdoor community he had found at ��. In 2022, he left his career in the music industry to become founder and CEO of Usal, a community-based program helping Los Angeles residents participate in unique outdoor activities, workshops and trips. Usal hosts about 20 to 30 events per month, including woodturning, astronomy, fly-fishing, foraging, surfing and cooking.

How did you come up with the idea for Usal?

I felt there was a missing link between people who wanted to get into outdoor hobbies and activities, and a place for them to go. A group setting didn’t exist that felt safe, accessible and approachable, while also providing resources and education on how to learn to do those types of outdoor activities and experiences.

Where does the name come from?

It’s a place near and dear to my heart: Usal Beach is a dispersed beach campground at the southern tip of the coast in Northern California that I would go to from time to time. It inspired me a lot, especially when trying to figure out my next career move.

How did your time in Boulder influence Usal’s creation?

Having those four years in Boulder was crucial. I was given the opportunity to explore and be curious — both in a social sense with meeting new people, and also adventuring in the foothills of the mountains. As I grew my career in Los Angeles, I began to lose my connection to nature. Thankfully, I made a point to find it again when I realized how important it was to me.

Where do you see Usal in five years?

The obvious thing I think about is growth. Growth to me is being able to offer what we do to more people and taking what we do here in Los Angeles and bringing that to another location.

Any final thoughts?

Before anything and everything else, this endeavor feels very true to the person I am and the person who I want to continue to be. I think stumbling over the past 10 years — coming out of college and trying to understand what that means — were important steps to feeling competent and learning what interests me, what excites me and what fulfills me. All those steps led me to eventually leave the music industry to start Usal at age 32. It’s finally coming together.

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Photo courtesy Usal Project

A decade after graduating, Michael Washington (Jour’12) longed for the outdoor community he had found at ��. In 2022, he left his career in the music industry to become founder and CEO of Usal, a community-based program helping Los Angeles residents participate in unique outdoor activities, workshops and trips.

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In the Breakaway: Sepp Kuss's Unlikely Path to World Tour Cycling

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In the Breakaway: Sepp Kuss's Unlikely Path to World Tour Cycling Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 07/16/2024 - 00:00

Kelsey Simpkins

When Sepp Kuss (Advert’17) made his move and broke away from a group of fellow cyclists, gaining a significant lead on day six of the three-week-long Vuelta a España last September, his competitors weren’t concerned.

They should have been.

Kuss didn’t just win that day’s stage — he gave it his all to maintain his lead every day over the next two weeks — up and down steep mountain climbs, across long flat sprints and through all-out time trials.

When he crossed the finish line first in Madrid, Kuss not only won his first Grand Tour, he also made history three times over: as the first American cyclist in 10 years to win a Grand Tour; the second American to win the Vuelta a España; and the first cyclist in over 65 years to ride all three, three-week-long Grand Tours and win one in the same season. His team, Jumbo-Visma, swept the podium and became the first in history to win all three Grand Tours in a single season.

“I’m living the dream today,” Kuss said to Velo after the race. “Usually, I’m on the other side. I’m often on the winning teams, but to be the one wearing the jersey is just incredible.”

In multi-stage cycling races, the winning cyclist is the rider who achieves the fastest total time when each day’s times are added together. The strategy that drives cycling teams is that by working together instead of individually, a group of support riders can give one pre-chosen leader the best chance to make the best overall time, and to win the entire race.

Kuss has long been a dedicated support rider — and his team’s secret sauce for success. But this year, for the first time in his career, he will ride as the team lead in several one-week races, as a key team player alongside recent two-time champion and teammate Jonas Vingegaard in the Tour de France, and to defend his title in Spain.

Originally from Durango, Colorado, Kuss began mountain biking in 6th grade. Kuss’ childhood trainer Chad Cheeney has described him as a “natural explorer” who also tried skiing, running, ice hockey and kayaking. Compared to his peers, he wasn’t a stand-out on two wheels, but things started to change after he joined the �� cycling community.

During his time as a Buff, he won several Collegiate National Championships in mountain biking and road racing — and finally committed to professional road cycling before graduation, signing his first WorldTour contract.

Since joining his current international team in 2018, he has become one of the most beloved cyclists in the sport; his persistent, hard-working, humble nature is the common denominator in his team’s seven victorious Grand Tours.

Kuss will compete in the Tour de France for the fifth time this summer on (now-titled) “Team Visma Lease a Bike.” He’ll be a contender, especially after finishing in 12th place in 2023, but whether or not he gets a shot at the podium won’t be up to him. It will be a matter of team strategy.

“I’ve realized that I am capable of leading a Grand Tour and being very consistent on almost every stage, but now I know more than ever how hard it is to be a team leader,” Kuss said in a post-Vuelta a España interview.

Leading a cycling team is about commitment, consistency and the ability to perform under continual pressure. Last fall, Kuss proved his ability — leveraging the element of surprise. This year, his competitors won’t be so keen to let him break away.

But Kuss still has something up his sleeve that no one else can beat: the many years he has dedicated to supporting his teammates. When he is asked to lead, not only will he be ready, they'll be ready to ride for him.

*Editor’s note: Sepp Kuss announced he would not be competing in the 2024 Tour de France due to COVID-19. According to Sepp’s social media, he plans to support from home and “refocus on the next part of the season.”

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Photo courtesy Team Visma Lease a Bike

How international cycling’s best-kept secret learned to lead from behind.

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Sports News Briefs — Fall 2022

Anonymous — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Sports News Briefs — Fall 2022 Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 11/07/2022 - 00:00

Plati to Semi-Retire

Associate athletic director and sports information director (SID) David Plati (Jour’82) will semi-retire Jan. 1, 2023.

Plati began as a student assistant at CU in 1978, became assistant SID in January 1983 and was named SID in July 1984. In addition to leading the SID office and covering over 500 CU football games, he also has worked for the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies and Denver Bears (Minor League Baseball).

“David has been an icon at CU and in this industry for over 40 years,” said athletic director Rick George.

Over 100 of Plati’s former student assistants have established careers in sports information or team media relations.

“That’s probably the one thing I’m most proud of — seeing the CU SID tree grow and grow,” Plati said.

Assistant athletic director Curtis Snyder (Jour’98) was named interim SID. Plati will continue to serve as SID-Emeritus, Program Historian and men’s golf SID.

Buff’s Bits

Soccer’s Shyra James’ (IntPhys’24) goal-scoring streak reached 10 games, stretching from the 2021 season until she went scoreless in the Buffs’ 1-1 draw at Michigan on Sept. 8. … Taylor Kornieck (StComm’20) was named to the U.S. Women’s National Team for the 2022 women’s championship for the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football. … Men’s golf’s Dylan McDermott (Bus’25) won the season-opening Fighting Irish Classic in South Bend, Indiana, on Sept. 5 after a four-hole playoff . McDermott’s 10-under par, three-round score of 200 is the lowest gross score in Colorado golf history. … Men’s basketball head coach Tad Boyle led the USA Basketball Men’s Under 18 National Team to its sixth consecutive International Basketball Federation Under 18 Americas Men’s Championship on June 6–12 in Tijuana, Mexico. Boyle was named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches Board of Directors in June.

Coach Talk

“I’m a little embarrassed because I’ve had so much help. In the 51 years since i started, dozens of people have encouraged and helped me.”

— Mark Wetmore, cross-country and track and field head coach on Aug. 18 after learning he will be inducted into the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Stats

3-0

Women’s basketball during August’s tour of Spain.

19th

Season men’s and women’s cross-country opened the year both ranked in the top five nationally.

Blocks by volleyball’s Alexia Kuehl (SLHSci’23) during the first two weeks of the 2022 season.

Undrafted Buffs standout Nate Landman (Mktg’21) survived the final round of cuts on Aug. 30 and made the Atlanta Falcons’ initial 53-player roster for the 2022 NFL season.

57th

Jabari Walker (Comm ex’24) selected overall in the NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers.

115

Soccer head coach Danny Sanchez’s career wins after the Buffaloes beat Valparaiso 3-0 on Aug. 26. With the victory, Sanchez became soccer’s all-time leader in wins.

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Photo courtesy David Plati

David Plati’s semi-retirement, Mark Wetmore’s hall of fame induction and more.

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Colorado Athletics Visibility Award

Anonymous — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Colorado Athletics Visibility Award Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 03/11/2022 - 00:00

Andrew Daigle

CU announced the creation of the Colorado Athletics Visibility Award (CAVA) Dec. 1, 2021. The $20,000 scholarship, the first of its kind in collegiate athletics, recognizes student-athletes who use their platform, power and visibility to support LGBTQ+ participants in sports. CAVA was founded by Buff Club development intern Nicholas Turco (PolSci’22). Turco conducted a study about sports climate and culture for LGBTQ+ members in CU Athletics, which identified challenges for transgender student-athletes and the difficulty of being one’s authentic self in male-identified revenue-generating sports.

In partnership with the College of Arts and Sciences, Turco coordinated raising over $80,000 towards a goal of covering attendance at CU for two recipients annually, while also funding other student-athletes’ projects. Volleyball’s Alexia Kuehl (SLHSci’24) and men’s basketball’s Evan Battey (Jour’21; MSOL’23) are the first CAVA recipients. Kuehl hopes to promote awareness and inclusion for LGBTQ+ identities in local schools and create an anti-bullying video to be shared in the schools. Battey wants to create change for LGBTQ+ individuals in CU Athletics specifically, while raising awareness and funds for future CAVA recipients.

“My hope is to bring both my communities together with sports and LGBTQ+, and help raise awareness for younger generations so they don't have to be afraid to be who they are,” Kuehl said. Battey added, “We need more proud allies in the community. It is incredibly important to me and the people around me that we must have a basic understanding of LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance of them.”

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Photo by Matt Tyrie

CU announced the creation of the Colorado Athletics Visibility Award (CAVA) Dec. 1, 2021. Alexia Kuehl and Evan Battey were the first recipients.

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Staying Positive: Q&A with Olympic Triathlete Morgan Pearson

Anonymous — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 18:50:21 +0000

Staying Positive: Q&A with Olympic Triathlete Morgan Pearson Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 07/23/2021 - 12:50

After running cross country and track at CU, Morgan Pearson (Econ, Math’16) worked odd jobs while pursuing a professional running career. He wanted a change that might incorporate his other athletic abilities. Pearson emailed the USA Triathlon’s (USAT) Collegiate Recruitment Program hoping his running times would interest them. They immediately sent him a bike, and he soon began training as a triathlete. In May, he qualified for the Olympics with an overall time of 1:43:12. Five years after Pearson reached out to USAT, he is headed to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as a U.S. triathlete. Here, he reflects on his athletic background and his dreams of being the best on earth.

How did you get started as a runner and athlete?
My older brother ran cross country in middle school when we attended Delbarton, a school in New Jersey. I wanted to be like him!

Why the triathlon?
I grew up swimming and lifeguard training in the ocean, then I started running. So, I have a really good background for triathlon. I also love to train really hard, which triathlons require.

You were the first U.S. man ever to medal in multiple World Triathlon Championship Series events in one year, and you now rank 11th in the world. What is it like going into the Olympics with this background? Does this experience affect your outlook at all?

I'm actually the first male to win multiple medals, period (counting multiple years). I believe I am not a medal favorite, but I can be considered a contender based on my performance in Leeds and Yokohama. I am in really good shape, and I know I have the ability to medal. I am still relatively new to the sport, but I am telling myself I am a savvy veteran.

What motivates you?
My family. And wanting to be the best in the world.

What is your favorite trail to run on near Boulder?
Gold Hill!

What advice would you give to young athletes with Olympic dreams?
Be positive. It's easy to get down on yourself, but if you stay positive over the course of a season and a year, you will always be trending in the right direction. That, and: It is not supposed to be easy.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
I am honored to represent the United States in the Olympics. This past year and a half with COVID has been extremely difficult on a lot of people, and I am hoping the Olympics are a way the world can come together for something positive. Also, go Buffs!

Watch Morgan Pearson compete in the Olympic Triathlon on July 26, 2021.

Interview condensed and edited by Grace Dearnley (Engl'21)

Morgan Pearson (Econ, Math’16) reflects on his athletic background and his dreams of being the best on earth.

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Steeplechaser Val Constien Is Headed to Tokyo

Anonymous — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 16:45:12 +0000

Steeplechaser Val Constien Is Headed to Tokyo Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 07/19/2021 - 10:45

Val Constien (EnvEngr’19) works full time for running technology company Stryd while training in the steeplechase, a 3,000m obstacle race. When the third place shoo-in withdrew due to an injury just a few weeks before the Olympic qualifiers, Constien realized she had a real shot at going to Tokyo. With a third place finish in the qualifiers — a time of 9:18.34 — Constien is headed to the 2020 Summer Olympics.

How’d you get started as a runner?

I started my athletic career doing children's soccer and gymnastics. I actually didn't start competing in distance events until high school. In middle school, I ran the 200m and I did the long jump. Distance running was really hard for me at first. Before high school, the most I ever ran was 2 miles. Once I built some endurance, my love affair with running began!

Why the steeplechase?

Mark Wetmore and Heather Burroughs, two of CU’s track and field coaches, recruited me for the steeplechase. To be honest I didn't know what that was until I signed with CU. It worked out for the best because I don't think I have the same level of talent required for flat races. My flat 3k time has never been faster than my steeplechase time for more than a few months. The barriers don't really slow me down.

You work 40 hours a week for Stryd and still make time for your Olympic aspirations. How do you think it affects your outlook and training?

Working a full-time job is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love the structure that it brings to my life and it has encouraged me to be a more focused person. This is also the first time in my life that I have some financial security and freedom. I make enough money that I don't stress out about big things like travel expenses or little day-to-day things like food and running shoes. With this kind of peace of mind, I can relax and settle into a good training routine.

What motivates you?

I just want to run fast. It's that simple for me. Running is really fun and is made better when you feel fast and see your fitness improve over time.

I am motivated by self-improvement and chasing down professionals, too.

What is your favorite trail to run on near Boulder?

I love running the Lower Mesa Trail in the summer. It's also really fun to explore the Upper Mesa Trail too, but this trail is really challenging so I can't run it every week. It helps that my house is less than a mile away from both of these trailheads!

What advice would you give to young athletes with Olympic dreams?

Young athletes should try to have as much fun with their sport as possible. If the athlete is having fun and developing a love for the sport then the sky's the limit! If you love what you do, then you can enjoy the journey no matter what happens.

What do you like to do when you’re not running?

I like to read my books and cook new foods. Usually, I am either running, working or sleeping, so the little time I have is very special.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I would like to reiterate the importance of happiness in athletic success. One of the reasons I didn't have much college success is because I was very unhappy for most of my undergraduate career. Now that I'm living a life that I love, running is easy to pour my heart into.

Watch Val Constien compete in round one of the Olympic Steeplechase on Aug. 1, 2021.

Photos courtesy of Val Constien.

Interview condensed and edited by Grace Dearnley (Engl’21).

Val Constien (EnvEngr'19) reflects on the benefits of working full-time while training for the Olympics and the importance of happiness for success.

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Q&A with CU Runner and Olympian Joe Klecker

Anonymous — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 15:19:43 +0000

Q&A with CU Runner and Olympian Joe Klecker Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 07/15/2021 - 09:19

After graduating in the middle of the pandemic, Joe Klecker (Biochem’20) embarked on a professional running career. He signed with On as a founding athlete of the On Athletics Club (OAC), coached by Dathan Ritzenhein (Hist’06). On June 18, Klecker qualified for the Olympics in the 10,000m run with a time of 27:54:90. Here, he reflects on his favorite Boulder trail, where he finds motivation.

How did you get started as a runner?

I was introduced to running at a very young age. My mom was a 1992 Olympian in the marathon for Team USA. My dad was the former world record holder for the 50-mile ultramarathon and was a great marathoner as well. Also, all of my older siblings ran on the cross-country team, so when I was able to join the cross-country team in 7th grade, it felt like a very natural move. I often ran with my older brother John while in elementary school and fell in love with seeing tangible improvement over time.

Why the 10,000m race?

I first tried the event last December and ran very close to the Olympic standard, so it seemed this event suited me pretty well. I ran 27:35; the standard is 27:28. I love the 5,000m and the 1,500m as well, but I felt my best shot to make the Olympic team and represent Team USA well lied in focusing just on the 10k.

What motivates you?

My biggest motivation is my family. Over the years, every member of my family has invested so much into my career that I feel extra pressure to perform because of it. For instance, during the Olympic trials, my whole family flew out to Eugene to see me race. My brother came all the way from Long Island; my sister braved taking her 1-year-old on the plane. That all makes me want to achieve my goals even more. They have all sacrificed to support me, so I felt I needed to make that Olympic team.

What is your favorite trail to run on near Boulder?

My favorite trail is the Open Sky Loop north of Boulder near Lagerman Reservoir. It is a perfect five-mile loop, with only two small road crossings and a great view of the mountains. It makes the miles very enjoyable.

What advice would you give to young athletes with Olympic dreams?

I think having the goal of “making the olympics” can be daunting. But if you set goals of small improvements every day, eventually you will be shocked with how far you have come.

What do you like to do when you’re not running?

I love spending time with my family and two dogs.

Watch Joe Klecker race in the 10,000m on July 30, 2021.

Interview condensed and edited by Grace Dearnley (Engl'21).

Top photo by Justin Britton; Right photo by Bit Klecker.

Joe Klecker (Biochem'20) reflects on his favorite Boulder trail, where he finds motivation.

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No More Next Times: Q&A with Olympic Marathoner Jake Riley

Anonymous — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 16:02:01 +0000

No More Next Times: Q&A with Olympic Marathoner Jake Riley Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 07/14/2021 - 10:02

When Jake Riley (MMechEngr’21) ran in the Olympic Marathon Trials Feb. 29, he didn’t think he’d qualify for the Games — until he reached the last 10 meters of the race. After four years as a student athlete at Stanford, a professional running career, struggles with injuries and finally a move to Boulder to study and train, Riley competed at the trials with his mantra “no more next times” in mind. He placed second with a time of 2:10:02, and is headed to Tokyo this summer for the Olympics. Here, he reflects on his earliest wins, the importance of balance and the motivation of self-improvement.

How did you get started as a runner?

In elementary school in New Zealand, I went to a city cross-country meet. I didn’t know much about running, but I went. When I got there — I was a third grader, so take this with a grain of salt — I won it. That was a really big deal for me. I got a medal; I wore it around all the time. So that kind of gave me my first little taste.

Then in middle school, after we’d moved back to the States, on the first day of track they took all of the sixth graders around and had us try out all the events. There was this kid who was just crushing everyone in everything. He won the high jump, he won the 100m; he won pretty much all of it. Then in the 1600m run, I beat him. That was a very big deal for me. I think that was kind of my first introduction to winning and to the idea that this was something not only I am good at, but that I am good at in comparison to other people. It was something that was kind of mine.

How did you go from the 1600m race to the marathon now?

Well, it’s always just been whatever was the longest event I could do. I think by most standards I’m fast, but by professional standards I’m not that quick. But I’ve got staying power; I can tough it out. My skill set is about being able to hold a moderately difficult pace for a really long time. Every time I move up in distance, I’ve been more successful, so it was inevitable that I would eventually get to the marathon. I have not started doing ultramarathons yet, but I think it’s only a matter of time.

You just graduated with your master’s degree, so you were training for the Olympics while you were studying mechanical engineering. What was that like?

I was dealing with not being able to find a job, and feeling like I had some unfinished business with running. I figured I could work part time, go to school part time and I could train. I was looking for places I could find a challenging academic career and a solid running community. Boulder checked those boxes. I got into CU and worked on grad school part time; I got a job working as an SAT tutor.

Since making the Olympics, my trajectory has changed a little bit. But eventually, I’d like to work in athletics. I’d love to do shoe design. Something along the lines of creating the next generation of training shoes.

What advice would you give to young athletes with Olympic dreams?

Balance, I think. In general, I see a lot of people who think that in order to be successful at your sport it has to be all that sport all the time. It’s really easy to get burnt out because running is a huge time commitment. Sports take a lot of emotional energy; they take a lot of physical energy. That’s hard to sustain over a whole Olympic cycle or even a whole season.

I’m in one of those sports — and I would say gymnastics, swimming, a bunch of these other ones, too — that’s only popular every four years. That means you’ve got four years when you’re digging in the trenches, you’re in the dark, and you’ve got to sustain that high emotional energy, focus and drive. That can be draining. It’s really, really helpful to have something else there.

Would you say that you’re more motivated by achievement or do you really just love the act of running?

I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m motivated by achievement. I watched that Michael Jordan Last Dance documentary and he talked about how every time he went on the court he had to win. I don’t have quite that solely-motivated-by-competition fire.

I do think my motivation is partly success related, but also partly about how much better I can be than I was last time. When the training is doing what you wanted it to do, that feels amazing. And then the cherry on top is when you can take the buildup and time commitment and put it into a race to see the results. So, some of it is self-improvement. But a little bit of it is, yeah, running can be fun.

What is your favorite training trail near Boulder?

We start at Marshall Mesa Trailhead, and then you can go underneath HWY 93 — it’s called Community Ditch. So, you take Community Ditch and then there’s this loop we do through El Dorado Canyon Park.

First of all, on Community Ditch you’re running right toward the mountains. You’ve got the Flatirons laid out in front of you over this gorgeous plain. Then you get a bit of the hills and you run through the pines. After that, it leads you through this little slot canyon in El Dorado. There’s a whole bunch of little places you can add on if you want. It’s a soft surface, technical trail without being too technical. I love it.

What do you do for fun?

I have all the subscription services. But I guess it’s kind of tiresome for me to say I’m watching Game of Thrones for the second time. We also go camping. I love Estes Park. I met my girlfriend through pub trivia, so we do a lot of that. More of that is online since COVID. If I weren’t training, I might go with some friends to play volleyball in Denver.

Watch Jake Riley compete in the Olympic Marathon Aug. 2, 2021.

Interview condensed and edited by Grace Dearnley (Engl'21).

Photo courtesy Brian Metzler (top); Zach Hetrick (right)

Alum Jake Riley reflects on his earliest wins, the importance of balance and the motivation of self-improvement.

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