Sophomore Brandon Kotzur said he is ready to start off the 2008 cross country season. As a freshman, Kotzur led his team with his times and placed the highest of his team at the Rajun Cajun Invite. Kotzur also led his team in the Southland Conference Cross Country Championship.

As a sophomore, Kotzur hopes to provide for his team once again as well as helping the new runners on the team to be successful.

Q. Where did you go to high school?

A. “I went to Foster High School in Richmond, Texas.”

Q. What is the big difference between running in high school and in college?

A. “The race is two miles longer now. Five miles is more of my race though. You have more time to collect your thoughts. If you are having a bad race, you have 5 miles to improve and give it all on your last mile.”

Q. What is your major?

A. “I am majoring in wellness and sports sciences.”

Q. How are you able to both run on the cross-country team as well as keep up with school?

A. “I have to focus on each one individually. Sleep is sometimes an issue, but I have to battle through it.”

Q. What were you able to do over the summer to further your running abilities?

A. “I was able to train with a team called Orange Crush. I practiced with my old high school coach as well as do the things my coach from Nicholls suggested.”

Q. What kind of things do you do in your free time?

A. “I play intramurals; anything running. I have been able to get some of the team and friends to go and play sports everyday. It involves endurance so, while it is fun, it helps us get into shape.”

Q. How are you hoping to lead your team again this year?

A. “I have the experience and talent that my team can learn from. I will be up there in races but there is so much talent on our team. Some people like to run ahead, but you have to teach them to control the pace so they will not be tired at the end. It is longer than the high school races, and you have to get adjusted to it.”

Q. What are your opinions of your new teammates?

A. “We are a close team. Everyone has talent and different people lead the team every week.”

Q. What will the team need to do to improve its season?

A. “Stick to training. I think we can be in the top 6 in our conference. We have way more than what we need to be on that level. Everything depends on our training and any injuries.