Ryan Hartwig: What’s it like running cross-country for UH?
Santaolalla: Well, it’s a really good experience, and I ran in high school, so I’m pretty new at it. I’m keeping up with the guys and it’s just the greatest experience of my life. I get to travel and be a part of the team.
Hartwig: How long have you been running cross-country, and do you have a good mentor?
Santaolalla: I started out five months ago, and Gary Derks, the cross-country coach at my high school, is the one who recruited me, and he coached me throughout the summer.
Hartwig: Which high school did you attend?
Santaolalla: Cinco Ranch High School out in Katy.
Hartwig: Has UH always had a great reputation in cross-country?
Santaolalla: They have a good reputation in track, but not so much in cross-country. We’re really trying to change that.
Hartwig: Does your athletic schedule ever interfere with your class schedule?
Santaolalla: No. It’s really well balanced, so I always have time to work my academics, my practice and then I have time on my own.
Hartwig: Since you’re an athlete here at UH, do you have to take courses online or on the weekends?
Santaolalla: Yes. I’m taking math online, and that really helps me because it’s one-on-one with a tutor and not in a big class
Hartwig: Does the team practice more in the fall or in the spring?
Santaolalla: Definitely in the fall, because our cross-country season is in the fall, and then we go right away into track, so we don’t really stop with cross-country.
Hartwig: So after you graduate, do you plan to keep performing in cross-country?
Santaolalla: I plan on running in the New York City Marathon soon, and I also want to do the Ironman Triathlon, so I’m going to keep training out there.
Hartwig: So when you have time off from sports, school and work, what do you do for recreation?
Santaolalla: I usually go running on my free time. When I’m just relaxing at home I play guitar, watch TV and hang out with friends.
Hartwig: I know you’re a freshman and you’re just beginning your athletic career at UH, but has there been a highlight or favorite memory so far?
Santaolalla: Just being a part of a team.
