University of North Carolina Athletics
Q&A With Dan Mykityshyn & Sami Jorgensen
September 10, 2012 | Cross Country
Tar Heel sophomores Dan Mykityshyn and Sami Jorgensen spoke with GoHeels.com about the first race of the season, the team's expectations and goals and what it is like to run for Coach Mark VanAlstyne and Assistant Coach Angela Reckart.
Congratulations on leading your respective team! What was your race plan for the Covered Bridge Open last weekend?
Mykityshyn: Thank you very much! The plan involved somewhat of a conservative first half to the race, a tempo-like effort. Once we felt we were in good enough positions, Coach VanAlstyne allowed us to open up in the second half, and more importantly allowed us to really start racing with other competitive schools.
Jorgensen: Thank you very much. Our plan was to go out at a fairly conservative pace for the first mile, see where that put us in the race, and pick it up from there. Ideally we were working to run near the front of the pack.
What can you take away from a race like that, especially since some tough ACC competition in Florida State?
Mykityshyn: The most important aspect of the race in Boone wasn't necessarily seeing ACC competition such as Florida State, but rather gaining experience, particularly with the longer distance of 8k. All six of us who toed the line for UNC had never run an 8k before, so it was crucial that we all competed before the larger meets that are approaching.
Jorgensen: I think one of the most important parts of that race was working with teammates to get where I needed to be. I've never run a cross country season before, so to go into a race knowing that I can rely on my teammates to pull me through is a great feeling.
What was your favorite team-bonding exercise while you were in
Boone?
Mykityshyn: Boone was a fantastic chance to get to know everyone a bit more. Although it is not considered a bonding activity, my favorite part about the trip were our team dinners. Because so many of us live off campus now, it is very difficult to get everyone together for a meal and talk about something other than an upcoming race or workout, this weeks mileage, etc. Building team chemistry was critical in our trip up to Boone.
Jorgensen: I guess the dinners were some of the best bonding moments because we'd go out in big groups and spend at least an hour talking with each other about everything. Aside from that, I would have to say that the occasional dance parties held in our hotel room were another great opportunity for bonding.
What are you looking forward to most about the 2012 season?
Mykityshyn: Competing. This year is a fantastic opportunity to make some jumps within our distance program, and each one of us couldn't be more excited. The entire change of the coaching staff, alongside the anticipation for the big meets with a chance to make it to nationals is something that this team has been carrying around since the end of last fall.
Jorgensen: I'm looking forward to our program being able to put a solid team on the line at the big meets this year and hopefully being able to be a part of the action. Watching from the sidelines last year made me really want to take part in the team camaraderie that goes on before, during and after races. I think that everyone is working well together and that as a whole we're going to be a very strong team.
What is the most interesting thing you could tell us about Coach VanAlstyne and/or Coach Reckart?
Mykityshyn: Coach VanAlstyne and Coach Reckart each have a true passion for the sport of running. Their coaching styles differ from what I have been exposed to in the past, but it's the little things such as new warm-up routines, stretching, core work, etc that brings a new enthusiasm to practice each day. We all trust what they have in store for us in the future and cannot wait to work with them throughout the upcoming years.
Jorgensen: I'm still getting to know them but I guess the most interesting thing about Coach V is that his wife grew up about an hour from where I live. I'm from a really small town so the fact that he knew the general area of where I grew up was shocking to me. Otherwise, they're really great people and it's going to be a great season working with them.
