Blogs : NCAA Division III Blog

Interview: Amaan Siddeeq of SUNY Cortland

Amaan Siddeeq, a senior at SUNY Cortland, has posted the fastest Division III times in 100 and 200 meter dashes so far this year with his winning times at the SUNYAC meet two weeks ago.  Recently, Amaan sat down and shared with us how his running has progressed since high school, his goals for the remainder of the season (and his collegiate career), and his possible plans after graduation.

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself, like where you're from and how you got started running?

I am from Goshen, NY.  I got started running when I was younger.  I would always race people for fun.  I started running track in the 8^th grade but in high school I did track just to train for football

How do your PRs in high school compare to what you've done so far in college? More importantly, how has your understanding of training, racing, and running in general evolved?

My Prs have changed dramatically.  In high school I ran a 10.7 100 meter hand time, and a 22.00 200 meter hand time.  Now I’ve run a 10.37 FAT, and a 21.04 FAT.  Along with my prs dropping, my knowledge of track and field has changed dramatically.  In high school I would never train or try -- I would barely stretch.  Since being in college I’ve learned to train and lift properly; I know actual lifts that benefit my performance.  I am not one of those guys in the gym that just work on biceps and triceps, because even though it might make you look good, your performances will lack.  My start has also evolved.  I was horrible at my start until last year.  I would rush the start but now I run a lot more relaxed, focusing on positioning, and making sure I am not running back side.

What drew you to choose Division III, and SUNY Cortland in particular?

I originally went to Alfred University to play football.  I only weighed 145 lbs as a freshman and you cannot play collegiate football weighing that much, so I started running track at Alfred.  They didn’t have good training facilities and their program was not very strong, as I broke numerous school records there as a freshmen, so I looked on the leader board and noted that Nick Wetherby went to Cortland.  Nick Wetherby was a National Champion in the 100 and a runner up in the 55, so I wanted to train with him. 

What type of training have you typically done over the summer and fall seasons to prepare for the two track seasons?

Over the summer I don’t run much.  I just lift a lot and play recreational sports.  During the fall a bunch of my teammates get together and start training.  I don’t usually put spikes on until mid-October.  I do a lot of tempo work during the fall to get back into track shape. 

What are your goals for yourself and your team this season and year?

My goal for my team is to win nationals as a team.  I want to break 21 in the 200 and I want to break 10.30 in the 100.  I also want my 4*100 to break 40.00.

What is your favorite workout during track season and what do you like about it?

My favorite thing is overspeed training.  Basically you have a pulley system and one of my teammates is attached to me by a bungee.  They start when my hand goes down and pull as hard as they can for 15-20 meters.  You end up running faster because someone is pulling you.  I like going fast and being able to control that speed.

Who has been the biggest influence in your life and/or running?

My biggest influence on running is my knowledge.  I am an exercise science major and have learned so much while being in school, as how to train, what works, what doesn’t work, how to listen to my body, what to eat, etc…

The person who has made the biggest influence on my life is my little brother.  Even though when we were younger we would argue and brawl, I love him.  I am a role model to him, and I will not fail because I want to be a good example for him and I want to make sure he stays on the straight and narrow path.  Coach Patrick has been the greatest influence on my running.  Before Patrick became my coach, I would get injured a lot and my times were only alright.  He taught me proper running mechanics.  He also showed me that anything is possible.  At first when he told me the times that he thought I would be running, I thought the times were bizarre.  But I actually ran those times.  I believed in myself before, but now I believe in myself even more. 

What are your post-collegiate plans?  Are you entertaining the possibility of continuing to run competitively after college?

After college it is up in the air.  I want to go to grad school for biomechanics, exercise physiology, or exercise science because I want to design equipment to improve performance and prevent injury.  I will also be ACSM certified so I can be a personal trainer because I will need a job while going to grad school.  I’ve also thought about coaching.  I am entertaining the possibility of continuing to run competitively after college or I might even give football another go round. 

What do you like the most about Cortland track and field?

I like the swagger that we possess and the dedication of my fellow athletes.  Everyone works hard and strives to get better.  Everyone has a solid base of training so everyone helps everyone else.  I also enjoy going to D1 meets with my team and dominating the meet.

What's the relationship between the track team and the other athletic teams?  What's the athletic culture like at Cortland?

In Cortland, all the athletes know each other, especially if your name pops up on the athletic page every weekend.  Athletes respect other athletes.  The athletic culture in Cortland is strong. 

How do students (and professors) at your school view the track team and its members?

At first people really didn’t know much about our team when I got here, but we’ve built a good reputation.  When people see the track jacket, we do get respect.  Some professors congratulate me on my performances from the weekend, and some people are totally clueless as to what is going on in the track world.

Thanks to Amaan for a fantastic interview.