Big River Interview: Phillip King

Rock Bridge Senior Phillip King put himself in the Missouri Record Books this past fall with his third place finish at the State Cross Country Meet. His time of 15 minutes, 54 seconds ranks him as one of Missouri's all-tim fastest distance runners. King has already signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Missouri next fall. Big River caught up with Phil on the eve of the first practice of his final track season.

BR: First things first. How are you feeling and how was your winter training gone?

PK: At first I had some injury stuff going on. I had some IT band tightness and that was causing some rubbing against the bone in my knee. I started back three weeks ago at 40 miles then into the 50s. Actually, I sprained my ankle today but I don't think it's a big deal.

BR: Let's go back to cross country for a minute. This season must have been extremely gratifying for you and especially the State Meet as compared to 2005. [Ed. Note: King finished 31st at the 2005 Champiosnhips]

PK: Well, my junior year was only my second cross season. I really hadn't built up my mileage yet. I was only running 40 miles a week. That winter I worked on my mileage and got up to 65-70. Mostly in the 60s. That was what really gave me the confidence to run with all the top guys in the State.

BR: When did you start running?

PK: My freshman year I played soccer but I broke my arm. I ran track in the Spring and I really liked all my teammates and had a lot of fun.

BR: Your senior season seemed like an athlete's dream. You raced well every time out and had some real breakthrough performances. What were some of the highlights for you and talk a little bit about how the State Meet played out.

PK: The highlight for me was probably our meet in Kansas where I set my PR of 15:18. I just felt really good the whole race and it gave me a lot of confidence. At State I knew that Dan Quigley would want to push the pace and that Kyle Rood would obviously have a big kick. It worked out great that it came down to all three of us together at the end.

BR: Obviously running as well as you did opens some doors in terms of running in college. Take us through your selection process and what ultimately led to your decision because I think a lot of kids out there are not aware of just how much work goes into it.

PK: I started the summer before my senior year by doing a lot of research into different colleges. I talked to Notre Dame and Iowa and Mizzou. I went on an official visit there [Missouri] and I really liked the guys and had a great time. I ended up signing with Mizzou. As a tip I would say go out in the summer and look at schools when you actually have the time.

BR: Since this is a Track preview let's get right down to it. What are your goals for this season?

PK: Personally at Rock Bridge we think we can put together a really good 4 x 8 team. We're excited about that and Coach thinks we have five guys who can go sub 2:00 so definitely sub 8:00. For myself I just want to pick up where I left off and improve on last year.

BR: If you had to give us goal times for the 800, mile and 2 mile what would they be?

PK: The 800 I would say sub 2:00. The mile I guess 4:20, sub 4:20. The 2 mile sub 9:20.

BR: Give us a benchmark workout that you do at Rock Bridge that tell you guys your are in shape and ready to go.

PK: We do a lot of threshold runs of 4-5 miles hard and that really gears us up to run fast on the track. Sometimes we do them onthe MKT Trail on the marked trail or on a concrete path around our school.

BR: What is your per mile pace for one of those tempos?

PK: 5:15-5:20.

BR: Sounds like you are definitely a strength runner. Do you see yourself as more of a 5k-10k type in college?

PK: Definitely. I've already talke to [University of Missouri] Coach Wilmes about that and he says he's going to transition me into the longer events.

BR: Any big meets you guys will be going to this Spring that you're looking forward to?

PK: We're going to this meet in Iowa that's supposed to be pretty big. I'll probably run the 4 x 8 and the 2 mile at that one. It will just be exciting to go on an overnight trip in a bus. We never get a chance to do that.

BR: Last question. I'll be talking to your teammate Lauren Borduin after this. What is her biggest attribute as a runner?

PK: Her speed. It's just insane. She can beat a lot of the guys on the team in a 400.

BR: What about you?

PK: That's a tough one. It would definitely be close!

Thanks for a great interview Phillipand best of luck this season!!

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