Coming off a very successful XC season in which they won Region 7 by the slimmest of margins only to lose by one point at State, the Bruins return nearly everyone. Bolstered by a tremendous track season with some very fast 800m and 1600m times they find themselves with new rivals as Timpanogos and Skyline move up to 5A. It's out of frying pan and into the fryer however as they join Pine View and Desert Hills under the newest alignment. I caught up with Coach Strauss this morning for a quick interview while on his lunch break at his day job.
Top 7 Girls Returnees (3 Mile Times)
| Mountain View (UT) | ||||
| 1) Mimi Miyazawa | 19:08.00 | |||
| 2) Alissa Fielding | 19:20.00 | |||
| 3) Allie Warner | 19:20.20 | |||
| 4) Samantha Williams | 19:59.00 | |||
| 5) Kelsi Lindley | 20:16.00 | |||
| Average Time: 19:36.64 Total Time: 1:38:03.20 1-5 Split: 1:08.00 | ||||
| 6) Samantha Eddy | 20:58.00 | |||
| 7) Jacelin Clayton | 22:36.50 | |||
Interview with Mike Strauss (Mountain View HS Coach)
Q. How many years have you been coaching at Mountain View?
A. This is my 4th year.
Q. What is your athletic background?
A. I ran for Timpview HS under Coach Coleman and then ran two years at Utah Valley University. After completing my LDS mission I continued my running at the University of Utah.
Q. Tell us something about yourself that most of us don't already know.
A. I started a local chapter of the National Auduban Society. I am an avid botanist. I just love birds and plant species.
Q. What is your philosophy on training and success.
A. Consistency creates the environment for success. Out team mantra is "The grind never stops".
Q. What are your go to workouts that kick things up a notch in preparation for a big race?
A. Anything speed related. Fartlek runs and short quick turnover stuff.
Q. What is your race schedule looking like?
A. Staying local. We get the same competition here in Utah as we would if we went to Bob Firman or Roy Griak. At our level we find that Highland and Park City Invites brings us enough competition.
Q. How does the team look this year?
A. We have a solid group returning in MiMi Miyazawa, Allie Warner, Alissa Fielding up front. Kelsi Lindley, Jacelin Clayton Christina Wood and we have a good crop of freshman in this year also.
Q. What will be the key to your success throughout the season?
A. Keeping the team physically and emotionally together and racing with confidence. It's all mental for us. If we do the work and use the pressure as a positive challenge we will be fine.