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Each week, BRSN sits down for a Q & A session with the Athlete of the Week. This week, we talked to freshman cross country and track runner, Dominic DeLuca, following his winning 8:06.60 time in the 3000m race at the IC4A Championships on Sunday.
BRSN: Dominic, thanks for taking the time to speak with us. Over the weekend you won the 3000 meter race to win your event and help the Big Red clinch a 10th place finish at the IC4A Championships. Can you walk us through your mindset before, during, and after competition?
DD: Before my races I always try to keep a clear, but positive mindset about the competition. I tell myself that all the hard work is already done, and there is nothing more that I can do now to be better prepared. This race was no different. I tried to stay calm during the first half of the race and save some energy for when the pace would pick up. When the pace did pick up, I was confident in my ability to move up and finish well. After the race I was relieved and excited to achieve my personal best time while simultaneously gaining momentum for the outdoor track season.
BRSN: How did you first get involved with track?
DD: I first got involved in track during my freshman year of high school. I thought of myself, at the time, as a soccer player who did track in the spring. It wasn’t until my sophomore year when I quit playing soccer and pursued running year round.
BRSN: How did you choose Cornell?
DD: I chose Cornell because I felt it possessed everything I was looking for in a university. Out of all the schools I was looking at, Cornell had the perfect mixture of strong academics and athletics.
BRSN: What are you looking forward to the most this season?
DD: I am looking forward to competing and running fast with my teammates and striving towards personal bests. I am also excited to compete in the Outdoor Heptagonal Championships.
BRSN: What are some of your interests outside of running?
DD: Outside of running, I like to play recreational basketball and soccer. I also enjoy playing golf in my free time.
BRSN: What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?
DD: I am a huge fan of Arsenal Soccer Club, a team based in London.
