Seth Edwards Interview

 

During the 2015-2016 school year, Seth Edwards has put together one of his best ever running seasons of his career. It started in the fall when the 5-foot-7, 123-pound senior raced to his second straight Class AAA individual championship with a time of 15:35.8, while leading the Hawks to a state title as a team. He also went on to finish a disappointing 118th in the seeded boys race at the Foot Locker South Regional Cross Country Championships. Then in indoor track, he has set many personal records, while leading West Virginia High School Boys in the distance events. He continues to run high profile national track events as he heads into his final track season at University High in Morgantown, WV.

Edwards has maintained a B average in the classroom. He is the son of Jeff and Sarah Caldwell Edwards.

He has volunteered locally on behalf of Ruby Memorial Hospital and the Special Olympics in addition to completing a service-mission trip to Nicaragua.

I caught up with Edwards and asked him a few questions about his recent success and interesting running career.

 

Coach McMillion - When did you first start running track or cross country?

Seth Edwards – I first started running in 6th grade.

CM - Did you like running right from the start?

SE – I did enjoy running right off the bat, though it was tough to get the hang of at first.

CM - The school you attend, University High School, is in the AAA Classification, which houses over 1,250 students. How well did you like your overall experience at University High?

SE – I've thoroughly enjoyed my four years at University High. It's a great school with a ton of awesome features.

CM – How was it running for the highly respected Coach Ed Frohnapfel?

SE – It was a dream come true for any distance athlete. I was tossed into a proven system that helped me develop from a young age. I would not be where I am today without Ed's tutelage.

CM – Ryan Scotnicki was the first individual cross country champion at University High back in 2004, while you were the second to do so, not only once but twice in the year’s 2014 and 2015. Which one had the best experience and why?

SE – I'd have to say the first state title was the most memorable because we won as a team. The feeling, at the time, was new and rewarding. In my opinion, that 2014 season was tough to beat.

CM – Were there any complications on your road to these successes?

SE – In every runner’s career there are a few bumps in the road. I've always been very lucky in regards to injury and whatnot. I would have to say that my Achilles heel would have to be constant inflammation in my Achilles heel (no pun intended). I've dealt with that the past few years, but nothing too serious. I do, however, catch the flu bug quite often. I dealt with bronchitis for the latter half of this indoor season.

CM – What was it like to be a part of two West Virginia High School Boys team cross country titles?

SE – Great! We, as a unit, are an awesome bunch. Since my freshman year, we've fostered a tough attitude which has led to success. Aside from training, we have a lot of fun hanging out. We've all become best friends and I am thankful for that bound. Even with the old alums Jordan Brown-Stobbe, Andy Paladino, and Adam Frohnapfel, Tristan Harvey, etc. We all still stay in touch.

CM – What was it like battling the nine-time state champion Cabell Midland cross country team?

SE – It's great. It's great for the sport. The combative nature between both schools is second to none. I have a great deal of respect for coach Parsons and the Cabell Midland boys. I'm going to miss competing with them after this upcoming track season.

CM – You were named Gatorade West Virginia Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year twice, how honored were you to receive that award?

SE - I was incredibly honored. It's a fantastic award that is a token of my hard work and dedication to the sport as well as academics.

CM - After the West Virginia State meet, you ran at the Foot Locker South Regional in Charlotte, NC. Were you pleased with your performance? Why or why not?

SE – No, I was not. It's one of those things you try and put in the back of your mind. I was able to turn the tables into motivation and I’ve done well since.

CM - You have run three impressive races this Indoor track season. First you ran your fastest indoor time ever in Youngstown, Ohio in the 1600m with a 4:23.19. Then you go and run The SPIRE Scholastic Showcase 3200m in 9:16.19, while setting a personal record. Finally, you finished seventh at the New Balance Nationals Indoor with a 15:01 5k, which was also another personal record. Which one of these races do you consider your best run?

SE – That's tough. I am proud of all three races this indoor season. Based off of feel, I’d say that my 3200M at SPIRE was key for me. But, based on overall time and place, I’d have to say the 5km was my best run this indoor.

CM – Obviously you have had more success at running cross country than track. Going into your senior track season, are you going to do anything different to win an individual title?

SE – The main difference will be confidence. I will be riding a huge wave of confidence coming out of a successful indoor season. I know that this outdoor season will be leaps and bounds above where I was last outdoor based off of confidence alone.

CM – Have you signed your Letter of Intent to run for a college or are there any particular schools you are leaning towards?

SE - I have yet to sign my National Letter of Intent. I have visited a few schools out west and have one more visit slated on the east coast. I will probably have a decision made by April.

CM – Do you want to be on the varsity team right away, or are you planning on redshirting and acclimating yourself to the school your first year at the University?

SE - That's a tough one. When I get to that point, based on where I go, it will probably be based on immediate impact. If I am able to help my team score, I will race in a jersey. Otherwise, I would utilize my redshirt year to develop and be an impact the following year.

CM - What kind of mileage are you planning on running this summer to prepare for college?

SE - Last summer I sat around 70mpw. This upcoming summer I’d say I’ll be looking at 70-80mpw. I feel comfortable in that range.

CM - By looking at your PR’s at different distances, it seems the longer the race, the better you perform? Is this true, or do you see yourself running something different in college?

SE - I do feel as if there is some validity in that. As I’ve gotten older I’ve shown my strengths at certain distances. Overall, I do feel very comfortable at 5-10km. Although, here recently, I’ve felt confident at the 1-2 mile. Time will tell, but as for now I feel as if I’m cut to be an 8-10km guy at the collegiate level.

CM - Thanks for your time Seth. Good luck in the future!