University of Minnesota Athletics
On the Run with Owen Hoeft
9/19/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Cross Country
MINNEAPOLIS (GopherSports.com) - Gophers newcomer Owen Hoeft is one of seven true freshmen on the Minnesota men's cross country roster this year.
A native of Hopkins, Minn., Hoeft is a second-generation Gopher (his father, Carson, was an All-American in the 1,500 meters in 1990) and joins the Maroon & Gold after a prep career at Hopkins High School. Hoeft was a five-time all-state honoree (twice in cross country, three times in track) and a captain of both the Royals' cross country and track & field teams.
GopherSports.com caught up with one of the newest members of the Maroon & Gold as he kicks off his first year with the program.
Gophersports.com: Where is your favorite place that you have run? If you could run anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Owen Hoeft: In high school, we took a trip to Buffalo, Wyo., and ran in the mountains. I loved how secluded it was and running in between the giant trees with no outside thoughts in my head. Because of that experience, I would like to run in the Rocky Mountains one day.
GS: As a Hopkins High School graduate some of your high school competitors are now your college teammates…how does it feel being on the same team?
OH: It's a lot of fun. A few of us have raced against each other the past few years, but there has never been any bad blood. We've always been friends, so it's fun to now be on the same team.
GS: Your dad ran track and cross country at Minnesota and was an All-American in 1990, did he give you any advice on being a Minnesota student-athlete?
OH: Not really, he just told me to have fun. He has tried to stay out of it for the most part and let Coach Plasencia take over from that aspect. He tried not to sway my decision on where to go, but I think he was happy with my choice.
GS: You joined your first cross country team in elementary school…what made you decide to take up running at an early age?
OH: My dad would take me to the Griak Invitational when I was younger, so I grew up in that kind of environment and decided to join the cross country team in fifth grade.
GS: Last year at your high school sectionals meet, you faced harsh weather conditions…how do you prepare for such a race?
OH: You just have to remind yourself that you're not the only one dealing with those conditions and have to treat it like any other race. The race is going to be difficult no matter what, so you can't let the weather affect you.
GS: What has been your favorite part about being on campus so far?
OH: I enjoy walking to class and watching everyone around me go about their day.
GS: Have you taken any cool trips lately?
OH: I went to the Olympic Trials this past summer which was cool. I loved watching all the athletes compete. Competing in the Olympic Trials and ultimately the Olympics is a goal I'd like to reach some day.
The Gophers return to action on Saturday, Sept. 24 with the 31st annual Roy Griak Invitational at Les Bolstad Golf Course in Falcon Heights, Minn. Tickets for the event can be purchased ahead of time through MyGopherSports.com or at the gate on race day.
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