Oklahoma State University Athletics
Jamboree Juice-Up with Dave Smith
September 28, 2009 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track
Sept. 28, 2009
Leading up to the Cowboy Jamboree on Saturday, OSU Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Dave Smith discussed his new job title, the second-ranked Cowboy cross country team and this weekend's 73rd edition of the Cowboy Jamboree.
How has it been coaching the women's team also this season?
“It's been great. I've been really impressed with the attitude, work ethic and the attitude of the women's team. It's been a pleasant surprise in that way. I thought it would be a little rougher of transition than it's been. It's been really smooth. The girls are working extremely hard. The girls have been working hard, they are very coachable. The really want to do well and that makes it easy, and makes it fun too.”
Are you amazed on a daily basis at the talent level of the Cowboys?
“It's pretty deep. It's a good group, but for us we see each every day and it's just the guys. It's not a bunch of superstars like some people see it. It's definitely fun to be able to work with athletes that are as dedicated as this group is and that understood what we're doing in training and why we're doing it. They see the big picture and are focused on the things that are important this season—the conference championships, the regional championships and the national championships. For the most part, we have a pretty seasoned group that doesn't sweat the little things. Even the younger guys have been through some life experiences that make them very steady individuals.”
What has the addition of All-American transfer Girma Mecheso meant to this team?
“He's without a doubt one of the best runners in the NCAA and maybe one of the best runners in the United States. Guys look to him for an example, and he's only 18 years old, but because he's accomplished so much, he has credibility with all the guys. They look to him a lot. I think his attitude and his approach influence the way the rest of the guys approach their training."
What are your expectations for the season?
“We have the same expectations we've had. I hope we can the Big 12 Championships, it's a tough conference, and we've got several good teams in the conference. We'd like to win the regional again and ultimately, win a national championship. Right now, we're one of about five or six teams that have a good shot to win. On any given day, I think any one of those teams can win. We're one of them and certainly as good as the rest of them. Hopefully, on the right day, we're better.”
How important is it to win the Cowboy Jamboree?
“We want to approach every race with the attitude that we're going to try to win it. We're going to be competitive and we're going to go out and try to win. The Jamboree is our only home meet in Stillwater during the entire year. I think it's important for the guys to go out and win it from a defending the home turf-type situation. It's important to me because it's part of a general attitude and philosophy that we want to every chance we get.”
