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DyeStatCal Male Athlete
of Week September 10/20 - 24/02
David Napper (Cypress) - Southern Section
DyeStatCal Athlete of the Week – David Napper (Cypress HS)
After a fine junior year of running 2001-2002, where he placed 5th in
the Southern Section Division II Cross-Country Finals (15:17 at Mt. SAC),
was 27th in State Div II, and 9:20.26 over 3200 meters during the spring
track season, David Napper (Cypress) has upped his act a serious notch,
marking his efforts during the 2002 Fall in a way that has him considered
among the top half-dozen Division II runners in the state, with that level
having an amazing group of talented athletes this season. As summarized
below, he has had a series of very, very impressive races already, and
should have a great last month and a half to his harrier season. The success
that he has had has certainly not been by accident, with Coach Marc Ware
at Cypress currently a consistently improving and high quality program
in place!
Congratulations – Best of Luck David
Doug Speck – DyeStatCal.com
1. Briefly summarize your season of mutli-races so far?
At the Laguna Hills Invitational on September 14th I ran 14:53. This was
the fastest time of the day and a new Division II Senior boys record.
It was also the first sub 15 minute race I had run. This was extremely
exciting for me to break the 15 minute barrier! Then, at the Woodbridge
Invitational on 9/21/02 I ran 14:34. I won the Division II Senior boys
race in the sixth fastest time ever on this course. This time also broke
my Cypress HS record which was previously held by William Feliciano of
14:39. At the Orange County Championships on October 19, 2002 I finished
2nd in the Sweepstakes race with a time of 14:50 which was an improvement
from my time last year at this meet of 15:04. I was also proud that the
Cypress HS boys team placed 5th in the Sweepstakes division.
2. Why the big jump in the quality of your performances this year compared
to last?
I continued to train hard and have been a consistent runner for 4 years
and things are finally paying off. Each year due to the increase in miles
and intensity of training I have gotten stronger.
3. How did you approach this season leading up to it different than say,
last Fall's cross-country season?
The Cypress HS team and I did a little bit more hillwork than we have
done in the past and we added some mileage. Mentally, I am just enjoying
my season more.
4. How much running did you do during the summer?
I started out the summer running about 30 miles per week and then peaked
at about 60-65 miles per week.
5. Cypress is a much improved program over the last few years--why is
this so?
Cypress is a much improved program for two main reasons. Our Coach, Marc
Ware, took over the distance program at the start of my freshman year
in 1999. His enthusiasm about running and dedication to each individual
on the team is a big reason why both Cypress HS teams have improved. He
is excited about running and that attitude is contagious. Furthermore,
people have worked hard and never given up. Our boys varsity team consists
of 3 seniors who have been with the program from the start and three juniors
and a sophomore who will likely continue this success next year. This
dedication of both the coach and runners to the program has made Cypress
HS more competitive than it was in previous years.
6. What is your favorite kind of workout?
I love tempo runs because you set a hard comfortable pace, get into a
groove, and go.
7. What kind of workout do you like the least?
Mile repeats are hard, but they show you where you are at in your training.
8. What are some of the goals that you have for yourself this year?
1. Help the boys go the State Meet in Fresno for the first time ever in
Cypress HS history.
2. Individually compete well at the Cross Country State Meet.
3. Qualify for Footlocker Nationals.
4. Compete well in the 3200 at the Spring 2003 State Track Meet.
9. What advice would you have for a beginning attitude?
Run every day, have a positive attitude, form a good relationship with
your coach and team mates, and then watch your times drop! Push-ups and
sit-ups daily are also key to becoming a stronger runner. Most of all,
enjoy yourself and the sport of running!
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