Meet Hannah Waggoner
9/8/2014 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field, Cross Country
How did you start running distance?
"I was planning on playing tennis in college and decided to train with cross country the summer before my senior year to get in better shape. The coach talked me into running a race and I ended up doing well so I kept running. Once I got the opportunity to run for Alabama, I stuck with it."
Why did you make the choice to come to the University of Alabama?
"My dad graduated from Alabama so it has always been in the family, plus they have a really quality engineering program. You can't beat the campus and the people either."
How have you improved over the last year at the university?
"My running progress has been night and day. I improved not only in strength and speed, but also in race strategy and tactics thanks to the support of my team and coaches. Aside from that, I have just developed as an individual learning how to manage on my own without my parents. I've grown up a lot since last year."
What is the best part of running distance for you?
"I like having a routine and running helps me do that. I also love my teammates. I couldn't ask for more caring and supportive girls and guys to spend the majority of my time with. As Coach Waters told us at the beginning of the year, we are different than anyone else on campus in that we are all fighting for the same thing and we need each other to get it. I love that idea."
What are your goals for the upcoming cross country season?
"My goal is the same as the team's goal and that is to make it to nationals. I want to be a good teammate that contributes by racing well and putting our team in a good position, but also by encouraging my teammates to fulfill their potential, which is incredible this year."
What is the best piece of advice you could give to young runners?
"I would say to play other sports. I think if you specialize too early, you will burn out and there are a lot higher chances of you developing an overuse injury. My background in tennis and other sports has helped me tremendously so far. I believe when you have a variety of athletic experiences, you have an advantage over others because you know how to react in different situations since you've been there before. Basically my best advice is to get a good athletic foundation and specialize when you have matured physically and mentally."
