By Mitchell Gilbert |
Ryan Poland
Redshirt junior
Westminster, Colo.
Ryan Poland has turned out to be a valuable asset to the Pilots’ long distance running team. A transfer student out of the University of Oklahoma, Poland has already made his mark on both the track and cross country teams. In his first season, Poland has helped the cross country team finish at an all time best 7th place in the NCAA national championship. At the Husky Invitational earlier this year, Poland ran a 4:01 minute mile setting a new school record and finishing second in the heat.
How did setting the school mile record of 4:01 at Husky Classic feel?It was a good race. I set a personal record and obviously I set the school record as well. I was tantalizingly close to breaking the 4:00 barrier, so that was kind of tough. But, it is hard to walk away from a race like that disappointed.
What is the difference between running cross country and running track?Cross country is definitely more of grind. You have to be very strong aerobically. Track, depending on the race, you can kind of finesse your way through. Cross country is a lot more getting out there and making it hurt for 30 minutes. But, in track things tend to be a bit more tactical.
How do you balance your time between being a student athlete and a student?
It is a lot of trial and error. It is a lot of time management. Figuring out the best ways to use your time between classes, practice and competition.
How do you like running for Rob Conner year round?
He is obviously brilliant with the workout and everybody on the team is running really well. We have a good balance of keeping things light but also taking care of business when the time comes.
What has been a highlight of your running career at UP?
I think that the national cross country meet was the highlight. It was a big meet for the program. To come away with Fauble being All-American was exciting and being the highest placing team in Portland cross country history was obviously awesome. That has been the highlight so far.
What has been something you have had to overcome while running at UP?
There are always the knick and dings, and I honestly didn’t have a great three-fourths of the cross country season. It is just nice to have a good race at nationals. The regular cross country season was definitely a roller coaster ride for me though.
What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Pilots track team?
It is nice to have a group of guys that we have that you can spend hours a day with that you enjoy being around. Having a good group of coaches that know what they are doing. It is just an exciting group to be apart of.
How does it feel to be a member of a nationally ranked cross country team?
It is definitely an honor. It is not an easy thing to do. Especially coming from a school like UP that is not a division one powerhouse in every sport. To be consistently ranked in the top 15 for the last decade is not a small feat. It is an honor to be a part of for sure.
