Upload a Photo Upload a Video Add a News article Write a Blog Add a Comment
Blog Feed News Feed Video Feed All Feeds

Folders

 

 

Athlete Interview - Austin Tamagno of Brea Olinda

Published by
DyeStatCAL.com   Aug 14th 2013, 3:21pm
Comments

Austin Tamagno garnered national attention this spring when he ran 4:11.10 for 1600 at the Orange County Championships in April for a freshman national record.  And if that wasn’t legit enough, he lowered his record to 4:09.43 at the CIF State Championships, placing 3rd.  Now he turns his attention to cross country, where he leads a strong Brea Olinda squad which has to be considered the State Division 3 favorite and a contender for an NXN berth.  Austin shared his experiences as an up-and-coming runner and the support he has received from so many along the way. 

 

Scott Joerger (SJ): You had an amazing track season, topped by a 4:09.43 3rd place performance and freshman national record at the State Finals 1600. Tell us about your season - did it exceed your expectations?

Austin Tamagno (AT): I started with a goal of 4:12 which was the frosh state record which I felt was achievable. But after running a 4:17 in the first league meet in March, I set my goal to 4:09.  Yes, my season exceeded my expectations, especially when I broke the freshman National record at the State meet.

 

SJ: You had great success competing in the youth ranks prior to competing in high school.  Tell us how you got started running competitively, and how you progressed prior to high school.

AT: My basketball coach introduced me to track in 5th grade for conditioning during the off-season, and several of my teammates also participated. I ran for that team for one cross country season, and then I joined a larger team, the So Cal Roadrunners. Increased mileage and the quality of mileage and training provided by my club coach Dr. Michael Leong (Dr. Mike), has helped me to improve over the years. Also running in National races every season has not only helped me become more competitive but has also helped to develop friendships with my competitors. Competing at the National level has taught me a lot about race preparation and strategy which, in turn, has helped my high school racing.

 

SJ: Along with Dana Hills' Jake Ogden and Arcadia's Phillip Rocha, this class of California freshmen makes up 3 of the top 4 freshman 1600 times in the country.  Do you talk to those guys, and is there a rivalry developing between you?

AT: I have known Jake and Phillip for over 3 years and we are all friends even though we ran against each other. Phillip was on my club team, and we were training partners. I respect both those guys and appreciate their talent and how hard they train.  I think that having such good competition in Southern California makes us all better.

 

SJ: Since you started high school you have truly taken it to another level.  What do you think accounts for the tremendous improvement you have had over the past year?

AT: I increased my mileage from 35 to 45 miles per week during last cross country season, and about the same percentage increase in track mileage also.  I have a good team to run with at Brea Olinda where we push each other every day.  My coach, Jeremy Mattern, is very encouraging; he stresses moderate mileage run at a faster pace. His goal is to keep us healthy and injury free for our high school career. Great competition and encouragement from runners like Garrett Corcoran, from Villa Park, have really helped me too. I also think that winning two USATF National track titles the summer before my freshman year helped to boost my confidence.

 

SJ: Can you tell us what your summer training is like?  When did you start back training and when will you reach your peak mileage?

AT: I took two weeks off after the CIF state meet. It took 3 weeks to get to peak mileage of 50 miles a week during the summer leading into our cross country camp.  After that, our mileage will decrease during the season.  This summer I have started a strength training program to prepare for my sophomore year.  Also, this summer I was very fortunate and honored to be invited to the Nike Elite running camp.  What a great experience it was being there with the best long distance runners in the country and learning from the best!

 

SJ: How is the training you are doing in high school different than you did as a youth runner?

AT: When I was a youth runner, I traveled over an hour each way to train with my club team two or three days a week. The other days I ran alone whatever Dr. Mike's weekly running plan was. Now that I am in high school, I run with my teammates that push me every day and have coaches that train or run with us daily.  Having trained with one of the best club teams in the country, the transition to high school training hasn't been that different.

 

SJ: Brea Olinda brings a very strong cross country team back to the 2013 season.  Tell us about the team and how your teammates motivate you.

AT: Our team is very excited about this cross country season. We have 5 out of our 7 varsity runners returning this season. My teammate Brennon Koryta, who also ran at CIF in the 1600m and finished in the top 20 at state cross country championships, and I are hoping to better last year’s performance and lead our team to win Orange County Championships, Division 3 State Cross Country Championships, and maybe a spot in the Nike Cross Nationals, NXN.  The team has had a strong summer with no significant injuries and we are looking forward to this season.

 

SJ: What are your goals for the coming cross country season? 

AT: My goals for the season include: setting a new sophomore record on the Mt SAC course, breaking 15 minutes at CIF state, and making NXN or Footlocker Nationals.  I know these are tough goals but I believe in setting high goals and working hard to achieve them.  I have been working with Coach Mattern on a detailed plan to achieve these goals.

 

SJ: Who has had the most influence your running career to this point?

AT: My parents have really helped me to be where I am today by taking me to practices over an hour away since fifth grade, assuring that I had good coaching that kept me motivated and strong, and encouraging me which gave me confidence to meet and surpass my goals. My coaches and trainers have also been key to helping me reach my goals. Also, the fact that I run in an extremely competitive league, with five of the top 20 1600 runners in the state, has really helped me to run faster than I expected this year. Garrett Corcoran, Sidney Gidabuday, and my teammate Brennon Koryta are all returning, only Austin Goins has graduated and is now running for UC Davis. So we should continue to have a strong league producing many exciting races.

 

SJ: What do you like to do outside of high school sports?

AT: I like to play and watch basketball. Basketball was my first love before running.  I enjoy watching soccer, football and tennis.  I also like to hang-out with my friends and play video games.

 

Quick Stats

Performance you are most proud of: 4:09.43 1600m at 2013 CIF state meet finals

Favorite athlete: Matt Centrowitz

Last thing you read: Running For My Life by Lopez Lomong

Favorite subject in school: Biology and Geometry

Favorite food: Steak

Favorite movie: Remember the Titans



More news

History for DyeStat.com
YearVideosNewsPhotosBlogs
2024 991 320 12408  
2023 5382 1361 77508  
2022 4892 1212 58684  
Show 25 more
 
+PLUS highlights
+PLUS coverage
Live Events
Get +PLUS!