Q: What's harder - a race or a workout?

A: I have to say it varies. If it's a big-time race with tough competition, that's probably the most draining aspect of the sport. Other races, however, are harder to stay in mentally. Workouts are always challenging, because we're doing so many levels of difficulty at various speeds that each workout is exhausting. But I guess that's a good thing, because it prepares you for the time when everything counts.

Q: You were a soccer player in junior high, how'd you end up running for fun?

A: The summer before my freshman year, my parents told me I had to get up and run with my older brother (Ryan) so I wouldn't get lazy and do nothing all summer. That first morning my parents told Ryan to stick with me, even if the others pushed ahead, to make sure I wouldn't get lost. It turned out that he didn't have to worry about that. I spend most of that morning pushing the pace.

Q: Why'd you stick with it?

A: It was actually the coach who talked to me that first week and convinced me to give it a try. At that point, I realized that I could do something special. … I never liked running before, but after my freshman year Coach (Marty) Hauck would always make the runs fun. He always had a way to take your mind off of the exhaustion and keep you focused on the cool parts of distance running.

Q: Your coach, Marty Hauck, passed away recently during an afternoon practice. What has that been like for you and the team?

A: It's been rough. The day after it happened, that Thursday, we really didn't know what to do. Everyone was still in shock. I don't think it had hit anyone at that point. It's just so weird coming out here everyday without him. It's hard to describe given how hard our workouts are, but you just looked forward to practice. That's the kind of guy he was. Marty made everything fun. Now there's a gloomy feeling after school. It's a lot more reserved. It's a whole different feeling for all of us.

Q: As the leader of this team, do you feel a need to help keep the team together during this difficult time?

A: I absolutely do. I try to just talk to everyone and keep focused. But there are going to be times when you just fall apart. That's just natural in this kind of situation. I try to tell the guys that those things are going to happen and that's okay. I just try not to think about it too much. Just keep in mind what we had with Marty and what we were going to do for him this season. We need to use that to stay motivated.

Q: You're quite the surfer, from what I understand.

A: I love it. I go out as much as possible. I'm just so relaxed out there. I could be loaded with stuff on my mind, but after a couple hours in the water, I feel so much better. I love going over to Oceanside or up to San Onofre. That's the best.

Q: When did you pick up surfing?

A: When I was about 10 or so. My dad's friend is a pretty good surfer, and he kind of taught me how to do it. I got into the sport pretty fast and my brother, and friend of mine and I took some lessons a few years ago. Since that time, we go out almost every day over the summer and whenever I can during the school year.

Q: I also hear you play some guitar.

A: I've always loved music. My dad got a guitar when I was growing up, and I was fascinated by the idea of playing that instrument. A friend of mine showed me a few things a couple years ago and I just took it from there. Since that day, I've been scouring the Internet for (tablature), figuring out how to play songs. I'm pretty much self-taught, which is kind of cool. But it isn't something I take very seriously. It's just a fun thing to do when I'm bored.

Q: What kind of guitar do you have?

A: I got an electric guitar last year, but I don't really play it that much. I generally stick with my acoustic. I'm more comfortable with that one.

Q: You were born with duck feet, right?

A: It was pretty bad. I don't remember much, but the pictures are pretty funny. I would wear out on the inside of my shoes really quickly. And learning to walk was quite a challenge. But after a couple years it kind of corrected itself.

Q: Are there any lingering effects?

A: Not at all. It's as if it never happened.

Q: What about the morning before a big race? Are you much fun during that time?

A: I treat a race day just like any other day. There is one difference, though - I've told my parents and a few friends that I don't want to talk about a race on race day. I tend to think about it in way too much detail and totally psych myself out. If people come up and say, "Good luck," that's not a big deal. But if people start asking detailed questions, I just try to keep my answers short and move on as quickly as possible.

Boys Cross Country

1. Rancho Buena Vista

2. Fallbrook

3. Rancho Bernardo

4. Torrey Pines

5. San Pasqual

6. Steele Canyon

7. Henry

8. Vista

9. El Capitan

10. Valley Center

Compiled by staff writer Scott Bair with input from area coaches.

Girls Cross Country

1. Torrey Pines

2. Rancho Buena Vista

3. La Costa Canyon

4. Rancho Bernardo

5. University City

6. Westview

7. Escondido

8.Steele Canyon

9. Carlsbad

10. San Pasqual

- Compiled by staff writer Scott Bair with input from area coaches.