Deena Drossin (ASICS TC/Agoura HS/University of Arkansas) INTERVIEW - Saturday 9/21/02 at Woodbridge HS Invitational to Sign Autographs!!!

In the late 1980's Deena was part of a long string of super stars that came out of the Agoura HS program of Coach Bill Duley. Bryan Dameworth, Amy Skieresz, and a number of other very successful runners came forth from this program. Deena summarizes her running successes below, which were many, but her continued improvement up through the national and intenational level through the years has been most impressive! In a time and era when American distance runners have difficulty competing at the very top inernational level she has achieved successes there and is a real inspiration to all. From the slight ninth grader a decade and a half ago with the slight forward lean that made her look like she was running kind of downhill all the time, and with a lope that seemed to have a slight imbalance to it at the start, she has matured into one of the world's absolutely finest distance runners. This is one athlete who we should listen to, because life is a combination of subtleties that send us where we end up, and with the goal of being a top runner, Deena has made the sacrifices, choices, and secured the support to have her end up where many aim, but few achieve

1) Briefly summarize the successes of your running career from high school
through the open competition (just the highlights, which are many!)--

1- At Agoura High I was a 5time state champion in cross country and track.
At the University of Arkansas I was an eight time All American. Post
Collegiately I have won five cross country nationals and Two track
nationals in the 10K. I earned a silver medal at the world championships in
cross country. This year Broke the world record in the 5K on the roads
(14:54) and hold the American record for 10000meters on the track.

2) What are your memories of high school running that stand out for you?

2- My memories of high school running are mostly the relationships with my
teammates and other people in the running community.

3) What was it like to be a part of the Agoura program run by Coach Bill
Duley?

3-Coach Duley was and still is an inspiration to me. He truly made running
fun while having an appreciation for the outdoors and the beautiful places
we were able to train on and travel to.

4) How was College different than High School for you with running and all?

4- College was different from high school in that you take on a number of
responsibilities. The biggest responsibility you acquire is time
management. It is a time when you have to set a schedule for eating
sleeping and studying in between running and classes. It is a challenge,
but very gratifying if you get on scheldule as soon as possible.

5) What brief advice would you have for preps as they consider their
choices in colleges?

5- When considering a college or junior college to attend stick to what is
important to you. I wanted to study English and creative writing as well as
being a part of a close team. Everyone on my high school team had a close
friendship; studies were also very important. Arkansas fit the mold
perfectly. Stay true to what you value.

6) How have you been able to keep your running career going on at a
competitive high level so much longer than most other athletes?

6-I think the reason for the longevity of my career this far is that I truly
love what I am doing. I don't take any of it for granted. I enjoy the
trails I get to run on everyday. I value the friendships I've made and my
teammates I train with. I thrive off of competition. I adore and respect
my coach, Joe Vigil. I have a great support system in Asics, my fiance, my
family and my friends. Everything about my profession is surrounded in
positive light so it is easy to enjoy on a daily basis.

7) What would you like to do with your running in the next few years?

7- Another thing that keeps me running year after year is that I have high
goals. Ideally, I would love to earn a medal in the world championships in
Paris next summer. I would also like to run a fast marathon. I am running
Chicago in October and hope to run a personal best (under 2:26). I would
also like to make another Olympic team.

8) What are some of your upcoming races this year?

8- The Chicago marathon is my only race for the remainder of the year.
Then, I take about a month break and start training for cross country
season--my biggest passion.

9) You probably have experienced a number of coaches during your career?
What general characteristics stand out from those that have helped you the
most during your career?

9- I have been very fortunate to work with such great coaches. I can't help
but thank Bill Duley for laying such a strong moral foundation in my love
for this sport. But the most important thing I have learned over the years
is that there needs to be communication between both coach and athlete.
This is the only way that you will progress as an athlete and that your
coach can progress to being a better coach. It is not an individual sport as
many make it out to be. It is a team effort and communication is an
essential part of making things work.

10) What advice would you have for prep runners who may just be starting
out their running career?

10- For those of you just starting to run. Enjoy it. Explore. Long runs
is when I learn the most about myself. Working out porblems, thinking of
chores to accomplish, writing poems or speeches in my head. Be creative.
Enjoy the fellowship of your teammates. Learn something everyday.

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