Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Coach Smolka Responds
10/2/2001 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field
Oct. 2, 2001
Question from Caroline Cohen: Has the transition been easy going from administration to coaching?
A:It has been a little difficult to adjust. Advising student athletes is very different then telling them what to do as a coach. Being an authority figure rather than an advisor, takes some getting used to. Otherwise, its great to coach again and to directly work with the athletes on making them compete at their highest level.
Question from David Rubin: So how fast do you run? Do you ever run with the team?
A: Since a great deal of coaching is observing your athletes, I don't really find it beneficial to run with them. Having said that, I do on occasion run with them on easy recovery days, but not on days when I expect them to work hard, i.e. tempo runs or intervals.
Question from Lee Beckman: I run cross country at Estero High School. My question is what are your requirements to be a part of the cross country team at FAU? I currently run 16:15 for 3 miles and I was wondering what times you were looking for?
A:A time of 16:15 is a good time for 3 miles and could certainly warrant a spot on our team. Sometimes good high school runners need a little time to adjust to the longer distance being run in college. But, a time of 16:15 certainly shows a great deal of promise for future success at the collegiate level.
Question from Jeff Hoffman: Do you guys have a men's track and field team? I am very interested in FAU and I love track.
A: Currently we offer men's cross country as an intercollegiate sport, but not track. However, a number of our athletes will compete in local track meets as unattached competitors during the spring term. It can only benefit their cross country season to stay sharp during the spring semester as well.
Question from Jeff Hoffman: What division is your school?
A: We are a Division I school and compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference.
