“Projected Top 2012 Iowa High School Track & Field Athletes” Interview –
Ben Anderson, junior, Valley High School, West Des Moines
1. When & how did you get started in track & field? As a child I would tag along with my mom Melanie Anderson to her Marathon races and I would compete in the youth “Fun Runs”
2. Person/people most influential to your success in track & field? My mom because she introduced me to running at an early age.
3. Your favorite track & field event(s)? The 3200 because it is the longest High School event on the track.
4. Your track & field event coach(es)? Coach Tom Trygstad is my event specific coach, and my other coaches are Head Track Coach Brian Rhoads and Assistant Coaches Gabe Bakker, Bob Hardin, Tiffany Webb, and Phil McCullough.
5. Keys to your successful track & field training program? Staying dedicated to my training program in and out of season.
6. Your favorite track & field meet? The Drake Relays is my favorite meet because it gives me the opportunity to run against the best in the state amongst all classes.
7. Track & field athlete(s) you most enjoy competing against? I enjoy competing against two athletes in particular. Cole Decker of Dowling Catholic because he is my toughest cross town rival and Josh Evans because he is a great competitor with tons of potential. They both push me to work harder and I respect them both.
8. Your greatest experience in track & field so far? Competing in the Drake Relays for the first time during my Sophomore year of Track.
9. Goals for the 2012 track & field season? I would like to run under 9:10 in the 3200M and under 4:15 in the 1600M.
10. Long-term goals in track & field? I hope to be a multi state champion in track and field. I would also like to go on to run Division 1 Track.