Stride for Stride: In the Blocks with Christian Cook
April 16, 2012
HurricaneSports.com sat down with freshman hurdler Christian Cook to talk about his freshman experiences as well as his future with Miami Track and Field.
What is the best thing about being a Hurricane?
The atmosphere. It’s really relaxed and laid back but when it’s time to get down to business we do it. There are a lot of funny times while traveling on the buses and planes. Overall it’s an interesting experience but we really work.
How did you feel about your first season at the collegiate level and your first experience with indoor track?
Coming into this season, I didn’t really know what to expect indoor, so I basically went off of what the upperclassmen told me. After the first meet I adapted to the shorter track and then just tried to do everything I was taught by Coach Deem. As far as competing on the collegiate level goes, it’s a whole different animal. It’s a big jump because in high school you could get by just using your athleticism, but in college you really have to have the technique down. More concepts come into play like snapping your legs down in the hurdles and making sure you have the endurance you need.
If you could visit one place in the world where would it be?
Paris.
Do you feel like you’ve grown a lot in your first season?
Definitely. The indoor season has really prepared me for outdoor, I’m stronger mentally, and I feel better about my hurdling.
What’s one superpower you would like to have?
Ice, so I could freeze people when I want to stop talking to them.
How does it feel to get back outside to the kind of track that you’re used to from your earlier years?
It feels amazing. At the first outdoor meet I almost felt like I was back at home. The heat and fresh air, it’s nice. I definitely prefer outdoor to indoor.
What is your favorite Coach Deem saying?
“Make smart decisions”.
What are your aspirations for the rest of the outdoor season?
I want to continue to get stronger in the 110 hurdles and try to make it to regionals or even farther. I’m also looking forward to getting our 4×100 and 4×400 times down to try to experience regionals as a team and maybe even nationals.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
Skydiving
What is your favorite sports movie?
Remember the Titans.
If you could invite three people to dinner who would they be?
Terrence Trammell (Olympic Hurdler), Michael Jordan and Andre Johnson
What’s one TV show you have to watch every week?
Tom and Jerry
Who is your celebrity crush?
Beyonce
Who was your favorite team growing up?
The Houston Oilers and Houston Texans.
What is your favorite Christmas present ever?
The necklace that I still wear. It says “CC” on it and my dad passed it down to me when I was 13.
What is one song you have on your iPod that no one would believe?
Miley Cyrus – “Party in the USA”
