Name: Kevin Diederich
Sport: Cross Country
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Elmhurst
High School: Willowbrook High School
Lily Goodfellow: When and how did you start running cross country?
Kevin Diederich: I started running cross country in middle school. In fifth grade, I ran a good mile and my teacher recommended I join track. The next year they switched straight to cross country and completely abandoned track, which I was happy about. I ran both track and cross country in high school. Originally, I didn’t want to do track, but a lot of people did some very big convincing to get me to do it.
LG: What is your favorite distance to run and do you have a favorite course?
KD: I prefer the 8k for cross country. In high school, it’s three miles. I think for track it will be the 10k. I haven’t run the 10k yet, but I have run 10k’s before and they’re pretty nice. As for a favorite racecourse, I’d probably say the Northwestern Medicine course. That one was really nice. I like the hills.
LG: You earned All-American honors by finishing second in the 8,000 meter race at the Championship this year. What are some other highlights of the season?
KD: My first race back from a big injury wasn’t the best race, but we got to swim in Lake Michigan after, which was fun. That was probably my biggest highlight of the season.
LG: What was your injury and how did it happen?
KD: I sprained my ankle on the very first day of practice. I accidentally stepped into a little hole near the track when I wasn’t looking in the grass. It felt fine for most of that week, but then when it came to the long run on Sunday, about 86 minutes in I was really feeling it, and I just had to stop from the pain. So I missed all of August and most of September.
LG: Your head coach said you really came on strong in the latter half of the season. What do you attribute that to?
KD: I feel my injury, even though it hindered me for the first part of the season, it also made me realize what I was missing out on by not running. Getting injuries and not being able to run always makes you realize what you’re losing, and it makes you gain a new appreciation for the sport.
LG: What do you eat the night before a big meet, and do you have any pre-race rituals?
KD: So the night before is usually pasta dinner night, so I get in a lot of carbs and usually a bit of protein with chicken. For pre-race rituals, I tie my shoes with a specific runner’s knot using the little back loops. I usually like to kiss my left spike. And although this isn’t a pre-race ritual, I have a lucky white cap I like to wear.
LG: What do you listen to while running?
KD: Usually, I like to listen to a lot of rock and faster music. Maybe a little bit of lighter metal. Not anything too serious.
LG: How have your coaches helped you?
KD: Coach Cervenka is a really great coach. He helps us get organized, and he’s a really great coach overall. Coach Domingas is really good at creating the workouts. She creates a very nice team, and I feel like she really helps with the team dynamics.
LG: What’s your favorite class right now, and what are you most looking forward to in the spring semester?
KD: I’d probably say my favorite class right now is my CIS class. I’ve gotten to do a lot of very interesting things in that. Next semester I am looking forward to my Anthropology class.
LG: What one word best describes you?
KD: I’d say persistent.
LG: Thank you very much, Kevin!
KD: No problem. Thank you.
