The Fast Lane: Cole Verble and Natalie Baker

April 19, 2016 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track, Cowgirl Cross Country & Track

Cole Verble is a native Oklahoman hailing from Edmond. Verble attended Deer Creek high school where he won state in the pole vault in 2013.

He is listed as one of just two multi-athletes on the Cowboy roster, and after just one year of decathlon and heptathlon experience, Verble is already contesting for All-Big 12 places.

He finished ninth at the Big 12 Indoor Championships this past indoor season with a personal best score of 4,663 points, nearly 500 points better than his previous best. He currently sits at fifth in the conference with 6,073 points in the decathlon and he is one of the subjects of this week's Fast Lane.

Cole Verble:

What is your favorite memory from track and field?

"My favorite memory would have to be winning state my junior year of high school."

Why did you choose OSU?

"I was initially looking to go to OBU before Oklahoma State because it was the college that was looking at me. But, I wanted to be within an hour of where I lived, OSU was just the perfect fit."

If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?

"I'd probably have dinner with Obama."

Where is your favorite place to eat in Stillwater?

"I always love Qdoba, but I'd probably have to say Granny's since that's more traditional."

What do you like to do outside of track and field?

"I play the bass guitar in my spare time."

The Plano, Texas, native, Natalie Baker, is a Cowgirl distance runner who has been with the Pokes for four years.

While her specialties include the long-distance races, she has competed for the Cowgirls in the1,500 as well.

In the 2015 cross country season, Baker helped the Cowgirls to a perfect record, earning All-Big 12 honors and nearly grabbing an All-American spot at the National Championships where the Cowgirls finished seventh for their highest finish in school history.

This outdoor season, her 34:12.59 time in the 10,000-meter run places her at eighth in school history, and gives her the fastest time for a Cowgirl since 2011. She also sits at third in the Big 12 and 22nd in the West Region with her time.

Natalie Baker:

Why did you choose track and field over other sports?

"Well, I'm really un-athletic at every other sport. I happened to like running, and also happened to be good at it."

What is your favorite food?

"My favorite food is chocolate. I also really like a burger, a chocolate milkshake and fries. So, it's basically my favorite meal and favorite food."

Why did you choose OSU?

"I chose OSU because when I visited Stillwater it felt like home, and I liked the team atmosphere."

Have you ever met a celebrity?

"I've never met a celebrity, but if I could meet one I'd want them to be funny."

Who is your role model?

"My mom and my sister are my role models. Also, my parents together as a unit are role models to me. My teammates are my role models as well."