Big River Interview: Eddie Calvin

Rockwood Summit Senior Eddie Calvin enters the 2006 Missouri State Meet as one of the favorites in three different events. He was not always such a star however. In eighth grade Calvin was not fast enough to make his school's track team and had to sit at home while his classmates participated at the District meet. Fast forward to this weekend where he will be contesting both the 110 and 300 meter hurdle races as well as the high jump.  He is coming off wins in all three of those events at the Sectional meet in Farmington last Saturday. In addition to his individual events, Calvin will anchor Summit's 4x400 meter relay. Big River caught up with Eddie hours before his high school graduation and days before his final high school track meet.

BR: Tell us a little bit about the Sectional Meet. Being someone who is so experienced do you go into that meet looking to run all out or do you save a little something for the next week?

EC: It was pretty tough. High jumping was hard that day. In the 110's I wanted to win. The 300's I wanted to win. In the 4x4 we just wanted to get through.

BR: It looked like you had some trouble at the end of the 4x4. What happened out there?

EC: I caught a little calf cramp. I think I just hadn't been drinking enough water during the day.

BR: Well, now it is off to the State Meet where you will be going after multiple State titles. The schedule is very important for someone like yourself who has to juggle track events with a field event. Tell us about what happened last year with the High Jump and the 300 hurdles.

EC: The guys were getting ready for the hurdles and I was high jumping. It was my turn to jump and I couldn't skip my turn. I didn't really get to warm up at all for the race. [Ed. note- Calvin finished third in the race, running a 38.67]

BR: This year's schedule looks much more favorable with the high jump being on the first day, in between the 110's and the 300's.

EC: Yeah, it's going to be a big help.

BR: So what are your goals for the Meet?

EC: I have the same goals as everybody else. Leave as a State Champion.

BR: What about some times that you would like to run or that you think it will take to win?

EC: In the 300's I want to go 37. In the 110's I'd like to go low 14. In the high jump I want to go 6-10.

BR: Do you look at times from around the State or do you just focus on yourself?

EC: I look at times, but I just worry about myself. You just end up racing the guy that's out in front.

BR: Being someone who competes in four events, do you have a favorite?

EC: No not really. I like them all about the same. If I had to pick one I'd say the 4x400. It's the real man's relay.

BR: Speaking of the 4x4, what is the plan for you guys?

EC: The plan is all 49's. We'll need at least a 3:20 to get in [to the finals].

BR: Coach Garrison has had a long tradition of success at Rockwood Summit with several medal-winning relays and All-State athletes. Can you give us a little insight as to what separates your team from others?

EC: We go straight to work. We work hard in practice. We're intense. That's the theme for this year, intense.

BR: We understand that you are headed to Southeast Missouri State University next year. Tell us about that decision.

EC: It was a tough one. My dad helped me out with it. It was down to Truman, Central [Missouri State], and SEMO. Playing Division I football was key.

BR: Will you be playing football and running track?

EC: I am going to try and do both now. I called the coaches down there to talk about it.

BR: Finally, what is your advice to freshman and sophomores who look up to you and want to achieve your level of success?

EC: During the season it is okay to have fun, but at least 30 minutes before the gun goes off you have to get focused.

Thanks for a great interview Eddie. Best of luck this weekend!