For the past few years, miler after nationally elite miler has come out of the state of Ohio.  From Jeff See, to Sam Bouchers, to Cory Leslie, to Danny Neff, it was only a matter of time before the next nationally ranked Ohio miler stepped to the forefront.  Well, it seems as though Colby Alexander (Sr., Strongsville, OH) is that runner.

Alexander has had a solid running career up to this point, qualifying for Foot Locker Nationals this past fall, while signing with the University of Oregon two weeks ago.  However, Alexander seems poised to take his talents another step or two before his high school career wraps up.  With a 4:14.30 performance two weeks ago, followed with his 4:12.25 mile win at the UK H.S. Invitational this past weekend, Alexander seems poised to challenge the nation’s best.

Distance Gala Weekly (DGW): Congrats on a great start to your track season, running 4:14.30 for the mile a couple weeks ago.  How's your training going thus far?  What's the rest of your indoor season look like?

Colby Alexander (CA): Thanks, the training is going great!  With all of the snow we've been getting, it can't help but make you stronger.  We don't have much of an indoor season but I am running a really good meet in Kentucky this weekend.  The mile field is stacked.  It should be a really fun race.  Other than that meet, maybe one low-key meet where I run an open half and then our state meet at the end of March.

(Ed. Note. Alexander won the boys mile in a US#2 mark of 4:12.25)

DGW: How has your training changed compared to last year, helping you take that next step in your performances?

CA: It really hasn't changed much, I'm a year older physically and a year more experienced.  Making Footlocker gave me a lot of confidence going into this track season.  

DGW: You qualified for the Foot Locker National Championships this past fall, however, you didn't have your best race in San Diego.  What did you take away from the event that you feel will help you down the road?

CA: As excited as I was to qualify for the finals, you're right it wasn't my best race by a long shot.  I learned a really important lesson the hard way and that is when you're running against a field as talented as that one was, you need to run aggressively and go out and run with the people ou want to beat.  I made the mistake of getting out way too slow.  You can't expect great runners to come back to you.  

DGW: You obviously are setting yourself up for a great track season.  What are your goals this season?

CA: My indoor goal is to win my indoor state meet in the mile.  Our school hasn't ever had a distance state champ indoor or outdoor.  A stretch goal would be breaking Bob Kennedy's indoor mile state record of 4:10.59.

Outdoor goals are to win the state mile, break 4:05 in the mile, break 1:50 in the 800, break 50 in the 400 and achieve Nike Outdoor Nationals All American in the mile.

DGW: You recently signed your letter of intent with the University of Oregon.  Why did you choose to take your talents to the Ducks next fall?

CA: I've been dreaming of going to Oregon since 8th grade.  My dad used to tell me all about Steve Prefontaine and all the other great runners from Oregon.  My dad and I went to watch the Olympic Trials in 2008 and seeing Andrew Wheating and Galen Rupp make the Olympic team while still wearing the "O” was so cool!  

Even the current Ducks roster is a "who's who" of college distance running!  After visiting, I realized that at Oregon I would be in the best possible situation to be successful at the NCAA level and beyond.  There is no better place to be a distance runner!  The history and tradition in Eugene is like nowhere else.  

DGW: A lot of people know your high school accomplishments in running, but how did you first get started in competitive distance running?

CA: My whole family ran competitively.  I ran CYO track and XC in 6th grade.  I was really lucky that my coach, Pat Coyne, made it fun.  He got us in good shape without burning us out.  Since 7th grade, my mom has coached me.  She has had amazing success coaching high school distance runners and I don't think there is a better coach than her in all of Ohio.  Over my high school career she's kept my mileage pretty low so there's somewhere to go in college.   

Quick Six

DGW: Favorite Movie?

CA: Lord of the Rings trilogy

DGW: Shoes you train in?

CA: Saucony Ride

DGW: Favorite pre-race food?

CA: Cookie Crisp

DGW: Favorite band?

CA: Lil Wayne 

DGW: Car you drive?

CA: Hyundai Tucson

DGW: Favorite vacation spot?

CA: Outer Banks