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TOXC Alumni Update with Andrew Snyder
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Andrew Snyder was a key member of the 2008 CIF Championship team that went on to get 2nd in the CIF State Championships and 10th place at Nike Cross Nationals. A specialist in the 1500 and mile during track, Andrew is a starting member of the UCI cross country team as well. Andrew is a senior majoring in mechanical engineering. Q: What do you miss the most about High School XC? A: I miss the guys that I ran with and always having everyone out there supporting one another. Thousand Oaks XC has a bond that a lot of teams don't have. Q: Can you describe a favorite High School moment? A: I have to say making it to NXN and finishing 10th there. I have watched a couple interviews from NXN and I always laugh because we look so young and really awkward. Looking back on that whole trip, I noticed that it really summed up the season that we had and I will never forget heading up to Oregon and running that race.
2008 TOXC Boys right after NXN 10th Place Finish. Andrew is second from right, standing at first.
Q: How would you summarize your high school running experience? A: I wouldn't have changed anything about it. It was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had. Q: What has running taught you that helped you outside of running? A: Running has taught me many things, but having a positive mental attitude is one that has really stood out to me. I try to think positive before taking an exam or when I am at a social event because it is really noticeable to others when you are negative towards anything. I am only hurting myself when I think that way. Running has helped me with my positive outlook, but it is something I will continue to work on. Q: How does your experience in college running different than in HS? A: College has definitely been more difficult due to the higher mileage and a harder course load in school. Besides that I would say they are very similar because I have bonded with my college team and I still have a lot of fun like I did in high school. Q: How has your outlook on running changed since you left for college? A: Running in college is definitely not the easiest thing to do. It requires a lot more commitment and I have had my ups and downs, but I do not regret choosing to continue my running career. Running at this level does not last forever so I am enjoying it as much as I can now. Q: What are your goals of your upcoming college season? A: This cross country season I want to run in the 24:30's. For track I would like to run 1:50 in the 800m and 3:46 in the 1500m. Andrew Snyder Graduating Year: TOHS Class of 2009 College: UC Irvine. Andrew will be a senior this Fall. College PRs: 1:53 in the 800m, 3:52 in the 1500m, 15:02 in the 5k, and 25:11 for the 8k.
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