Big River Interview: Ben Brammeier

Parkway South's Ben Brammeier is probably best know for being the reigning Class 4 Boys State Cross Country Champion. Using a bold move at the mile mark, Brammeier was able to pull away from pre-race co-favorite Jacob Boone and post a decisive victory. It was his lifetime of hard work and high mileage that gave Brammeier the strength to make that move and we were able to talk to Ben about his training, racing and more as he enters the homestretch of his final high school season.

BR: You have a reputation as one of those kids who started running at a young age. When exactly did you begin running and how did you get into it?

BB: I started running in elementary school. I had been playing select soccer and our coaches made us run three miles for conditioning. I really liked it so I began entering local road races. Eventually, I ran into Skip MacDowell at one of the races and he suggested I check out the St. Louis Blazers. I started running for the Blazers in seventh grade.

BR: What kind of success did you have in those early years?

BB: When I first joined the Blazers I had already been doing road races since fifth grade so I was kind of used to it. In seventh grade I finished 25 th at AAU Nationals and in eighth grade I finished second.

BR: There are some people out there who are skeptical of the kids who are “superstars” at such a young age because there are many cases where they do not improve a whole lot. Obviously you have been able to progress and get faster each year. Tell us a little bit about that progress and the kind of mileage you have done as you have gotten older.

BB: When I first got to high school I was really small and I had trouble adjusting to the fast early paces of the races. My body just couldn't handle it. Then between my sophomore and junior year I grew a lot. I went from 4'11 to 5'5 and that really helped my strength. Also, I hooked up with Billy [Bell] and Mark [Buha] over the summers and started running with them. They are both really smart about mileage and how to train. Gradually I got up to about 70 to 80 miles a week this past summer.

BR: Tell us a little bit about what it's been like to run for Parkway South, a program with such a great tradition in distance running.

BB: I really liked Coach Schmuck. Along the way he has worked together with my club coach [Blair Porter] and they have been able to do what has been best for me. [Ed. Note- Coach Schmuck was recently honored as the National High School Cross Country Coach of the year]

BR: Well take us back for a minute to the fall and the State Cross Country Meet. How did the race play out and what were you thinking during the race?

BB: Going in I knew that the two favorites were me and Jacob Boone and I knew Ben Murphy-Baum would be there as well. I knew that Boone had a great kick and that I'd have to get away from him in the middle of the race. That's pretty much what I did.

BR: Coming off such a great cross country season I am sure you put in a great winter of base training. We saw that you ran 15:05 for an indoor 5k at Mizzou in February. Also, had you considered running at one of the indoor national meets?

BB: I was planning on doing that meet all year. I would have liked to go to Nike Indoor Nationals, but it falls during our outdoor season and so I couldn't go according to the rules. My time [at Mizzou] was not as fast as I had hoped. I was shooting for a 14:50, but the race was really crowded and I had to lap a lot of people including seven-year-old girls.

BR: Was that purely off of mileage or had you done a little speedwork in preparation?

BB: That was just off of base.

BR: Well, now you've had an impressive start to the outdoor season with a 9:17 3200 already under your belt. Are you pleased with how things have gone so far?

BB: I'm really pleased with the 9:17 for right now. We've only been on the track three times.

BR: As you enter the championship part of the season will you be doubling in the 1600 and 3200 are will you stick with the longer race?

BB: I'm still debating it. My coach Adam [MacDowell] and I have discussed it and I am still not sure. Right now I am leaning toward doubling.

BR: Obviously for you the 3200 is the major goal so what have you done to prepare and how do you see that race playing out at the State meet?

BB: It's going to be a great race. I know Jacob Boone ran 9:07 at Arcadia so I think it might take 9:05 to win it. Hopefully, it doesn't come down to the last lap. I don't think I can stay with Boone over the last lap. We have been working on my kick though this year. Last year we mostly just worked on pace stuff. I feel confident in my kick from 800 out, but if I can't pull away he'll be tough to beat over the last 400.

BR: Are there any post-season races in the plans?

BB: I am still debating that as well. I want to be ready for the cross country season next fall so I'll have to talk to Coach Pigg about it.

BR: Speaking of Coach Pigg, when did you choose to run for him at the University of Florida and why?

BB: I chose it right before Foot Locker Nationals. I visited down there and I really liked Coach Pigg. He's from Missouri and he was a great runner so he knows what it's all about.

BR: I guess the weather doesn't hurt either!

BB: Yeah, that's true.

Thanks a lot for a great interview Ben and best of luck down the stretch.