Rodriguez claimed the NCAA Division II cross country title this past fall

1. How did you feel about your cross country season?

It was exciting from the beginning to the end. It was awesome to accomplish everything in a team atmosphere. I knew from the start we were going to have to our best year. All the top seven guys were here in the summer. If you know running, then you are familiar that cross country starts back in July. We had a good camaraderie the whole year. I love these guys and it’s built the basis for a never ending relationships with my teammates.

2. How did you feel about your performance and your team at Nationals?

Coach told me there was a good chance I could win from the beginning of the season. I knew I wanted to work hard and train for that race. I felt that I could do that because I’ve trained to accomplish that goal. I just went out there and did what I was able to capable of. My teammates did awesome. All these years were definitely worth it. I remember as a freshman and I didn’t make the team as the eighth runner. I told Coach that I have to make it. I was heartbroken when I didn’t get the travel spot. I wanted so bad to be on that team. I kept working hard and it paid off.

3. What are your plans for the indoor season?

If I could the run the marathon I would, but I’m going to run a 5k indoors. I’ll focus on a 5K at BU and I want to run as fast as I can. I want to give a hard effort. If things don’t go according to plan, then I’ll go back and change it. During the outdoor season, I want to run to 28:40 in the 10K. Matt (Levassiur )and I have the done the training. We need a couple of solid months under our belt. Our coach knows what he’s talking about and knows how to get us to that point.

4. What is the training philosophy at Adams State?

We train as a pack. We do everything with the group and we have usually have like fifteen 600s that we run at a certain pace on Tuesdays. Then later in the week we have mile repeats. We usually run in a group of ten. By the end of the season, we try to get down to 4:30 for four or five repeats. Everyone takes a shot at one of them. We pick and choose when to go for it. We are going to run together, but hard is different for each of us.

5. What kind of mileage do you do?

I don’t really pay attention to it. I let that be up to coach. I’m just the athlete. He’s been around for a while. I feel that both and the coach to work together to reach the goal. That’s what I think at least.

6. How would you describe your running style or racing tactics?

My teammates would say I go out hard. But, I’m just running comfortable from the start. My coach is trying to get me to relax and then pick it up. My racing style is to go after them. I don’t really set up a race plan. There is the one point of the race when you react and go for it.

7. How has your coach helped your development?

I first have to thank my high school coach Issac Benton. He got me started running in the tenth grade. He helped me a lot. Coach Martin has lit the fire with my running. I learned from him to enjoy it and to fulfill my potential. When he talks to you there is no doubt he believes in you. He tells you this is how fast you can run. But, if you don’t - it’s not his fault. When I haven’t ran well, it’s because I didn’t do what I had to. Coach Martin has really proven himself. He has coached so many Nationals Champions and All-Americans. It’s just amazing. I can’t talk enough about my coach. He’s just a great person and everyone would say the same thing around here.

8. What are your outside activities?

I check things out, but I’m not really involved. I don’t need to tied down. I’ve been to a lot of the organizations like the Spanish group and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

9. What’s your major?

Spanish secondary education.

10. What keeps you motivated to train on a daily basis?

The first person is God. He’s given the ability to do it. I want to make the most of it. He’s the person I thank the most. My mom has also always encouraged me. I want to make my friends and family proud. I want them to be able to say that I know this guy. If I can run a 29 minute10K, then so be it. I just want to find out what my potential is. Having fun with the guys. When I’m on break, I know the guys are training. Matt is back home running. I want to be in shape. That’s what happens. Let’s see who trained.

11. How has running played a role in your life?

I don't talk too much about running. I'm just glad to be running. I don't let it consume me. I was born in Mexico City . I didn't know anything about English, but I came up here when I got here in sixth grade. I was in ESL classes. Then, I was in the sheltered classes. I continued to improve and I wasn't in any sheltered classes. I kind of climbed the ladder. I was born a month a premature, but I made it. I know that this is why God has something great for me. It's been a long road.

12. You attended high school in Santa Rosa, California, so how did you wind up at Adams State?

I had taken all the classes I needed and Coach Benson had been talking with Santa Barbara and Texas Pan. I found out I couldn't go to college because I didn't have my green card. I took a year off and took junior college classes. I was running, going to school, working, and helping my high school coach. In April, I got a green card. Then he told me let's look at places. I remember seeing D2 Nationals at Rimerock in 1998 when the Adams State guys and girls both won. I thought that would be cool to run for them. I sent a resume and called up their coach. When I finally got in contact with him he told me they were going to send me some paperwork and to fill out. Then we will see what we could do. I told my Mom that I was going to Colorado to run. I didn't even visit this place. When Coach Martin picked up me and drove me into Alamosa. I asked how long until we get there? He told me this is it. It was in between the mountains. It was flat as a pancake, but it has worked out for the best.

13. Do you think Division II running gets the respect it deserves?

I don't run for respect. I don't need somebody else's opinion about my running. I don't think they (Division II runners) do, but I could care less. When you line up at Mt. Sac and Stanford it doesn't matter what division you run in.

14. Two words that describe.

Latin Lover