Big River Interview: Jacob Boone

Lee's Summit North's Jacob Boone has produced quite a career, already possesing a state title in the 3200 meter run in 2005 and several other all-state performances on the track and in cross country.  Boone has exploded this track season running a huge personal best of 9:07 for 2 miles at the prestigious Arcadia Invitational in California and most recently running a close third to All-American Mohammed Ige in the KU Relays Mile.  Big River caught up with Boone as he prepares for the latter part of his final season.

BR: Congratulations on your great run at Arcadia.  Take us through the race and what it was like to run against such a great field.

JB: We went out in 4:29 for the first mile.  That is about what my coaches expected and that's why we went out there.  After the first mile it was tough to hang on but I just fought through the pain.  I ran my last 200 in about 26 seconds.

BR: Was this your first time at Arcadia?

JB: Yes.  This was the first year that Missouri allowed teams to compete outside of the State so our Coaches took full advantage.  I got to compete against some of the best runners in the nation and it was a big rallying point for our whole team.

BR: Well that takes us to this weekend's KU Relays.  Take us through your weekend and what races your ran.

JB: I did the 4 x mile on Friday.  SLUH was quite a bit ahead when I got the baton and they had Murphy-Baum on their anchor.  I was able to split 4:20 or 4:22 but we got second.  The next day I did the mile.  I was trying to stick with Mohammed Ige [Denver South High School] and kick strong but I ended up getting third behind Ige and Josh Thebeau [Potosi High School].  I ran 4:15.

BR: Well, you have had a great start to the season and I'm sure your training is geared toward the end of the seaon.  Are there some time goals out there that you would still like to hit?

JB: I'd like to go sub 9:00 and sub 4:10.  I think I can drop some time off that second mile in the two mile.  I plan on competing at the Nike Outdoor National Meet after the season and I think that will be the place to do it.

BR: As far as the State Meet what do you think it will take to win both races and how do you see the 3200 shaking out?

JB: It will probably take 9:10 and 4:10.  I think it (the 3200) will be a pretty quick first mile with [Ben] Brammeier pushing the pace just like he did in cross country.  I am hoping to just maintain a close distance.

BR: Speaking of the State Cross Country Meet, I know that you were probably a little disappointed with the end result [Boone finished 14th for the second year in a row] but can you take us through what happened?

JB: It was a good race but it didn't turn out like I wanted it to.  I fell twice and I really don't know what happened out there.  I guess I can just be happy that I made it across the line.

BR: Moving forward to next year, we know that you chose to attend the University of Oklahoma.  What led to that decision?

JB: I chose Oklahoma because of Coach Martin Smith.  He has built a great reputation at the University of Wisconsin and at Oregon.  He recruited Matt Tegenkamp at Wisconsin although he never got to coach him because he went to Oregon.  They also have coach Brett Holtz who is a two-time All-American in the steeplechase which is an event they think I will be good at because I have a springy stride. I'd also like to do the 3k and the 5k.

BR: So what is next between now and the district, sectional, state portion of the season?

JB: I'll be running the 4x8 and the open 800 this Friday at the LSN Invite.  I'll be trying to break school record in the 800 [1:56].  My coach, Coach Morris, thinks some seconds can be shaved off of that.

BR: One more question Jacob.  You have had a great career and as you leave what would you say to Freshman and Sophomores who are trying to reach the level of success that you have achieved?

JB: Train hard, listen to your coaches and the upperclassmen because they know what they are talking about.

Thanks Jacob and good luck the rest of this season!!