Going the Distance: AJ Ricketts
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami track and field teams are hard at workpreparing for their upcoming season. Each week, HurricaneSports.com willintroduce you to members of the cross country and track and field programs.
In addition, be sure to follow UM Track & Field/ Cross Country onTwitter (@MiamiTrack) for the latest news onthe squad.
Continuing on the “Going the Distance” series, find out aboutsophomore runner AJ Ricketts…
Hometown: Pensacola, Fla.
High School: Pensacola Catholic HS
Major: Journalism & Sports Administration
Why did you decide to attend the University of Miami?
The combination of thebroadcasting program, weather, and opportunity to walk on to the crosscountry/track team all pulled me to Miami. I originally enrolled at Marquette,but the chance to challenge myself in a place that was initially out of mycomfort zone pushed me to change my mind and come to Miami.
What was the best aspect of being part of Miami’s Track teams?
There is a lot oftradition at Miami, yet at the same time there is an opportunity to take theprogram to a place it hasn’t been in a long time. To be a part of that goalwith a group of teammates that is like family is a speical thing, and havinggreat coaches and facilities adds to the enjoyment of the pursuit of thatgoal.
You have accomplished quite a bit while at Miami. What do you feelis your biggest accomplishment throughout your collegiate career?
Athletically, making theACC Championship was a goal since I came here, so racing in that meet this yearwas a great experience. It wasn’t that long ago I was struggling throughhigh school track, so to run at ACCs was a nice sign of progression. Ifanything though, the experience there inspired me to work harder to soon gaina competitive presence at that and other big meets down the road.Outside of running, the chance to broadcast Miami athletic events and interviewESPN personalities has been a notable personal accomplishment – with everymonth that passes it seems a great opportunity arrives that can only happen atMiami.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
My high school coach, EricNelson, was a huge influence throughout my four years at Pensacola Catholic.Whether it was encouragement after subpar races, or honesty if I ever wasmisguided, it was the perfect balance, and he helped mature me as a runner anda person. Few days go by where I don’t think of a lesson or principle I learnedgoing through his program.
What are some of your goals for the season?
I simply want to run to mypotential. I know there is a lot of room for improvement, and am confident if Ido all the little things that training consists of, the results willcome.
Have you ever played any other sports?
I played junior varsitybasketball in high school, though I was often sent to the bench for throwingthe ball to the other team when I was in the game. I still take pride in mythree-point shot however.
What do you feel was the biggest challenge you came across in since yourarrival?
I had never been injuredthrough athletics before college, so developing a bulging disc in the springwas very frustrating. You never realize how much a sport means to you untilit’s taken away for a while. Fortunately, we have a great athletic trainingstaff here, so overcoming the setback through rehab with them was a smoothprocess.
What is/are the biggest difference(s) between high schooland competing at the collegiate level?
Obviously the mileage andtraining habits are adjustments that you realize right away. I would sayrunning well personally and still being at the back of a race is a humblingthing – you quickly realize the talent that you’re racing every week at thislevel. As a result, you have to train that much harder, and smarter.
What did you do, both individually and as a team, to prepare rightbefore a meet?
Cross country is a lotabout routine – team dinners, meetings, and warmups are all common things we’veestablished throughout the season. For me, when warming up I try to be veryaware, just going over splits to hit, runners to keep an eye on, etc. I alwaysget in quick prayer before the gun goes off, and from there it’s all abouttrust in training.
What is your favorite workout?
400s on the track can befun especially if I’m feeling well – otherwise, I really appreciatesteady-state runs on the trails back home.
What do you do away from running and studying to relax?
Hanging out with friendsat Waffle House or Panera Bread is a favorite pastime, or just relaxing in thedorm while catching up with high school friends is nice.
Three words to describe you and why?
Passionate – I really enjoy everything I’m involved in and the people I workwith.
Competitive – Competition is a great motivator and pushes me to perform better
Loyal – I’ve had a lot of greatpeople guide me throughout the years, and in turn I try to stay in touch withthem and remember they are the ones who helped me get here.
