Nov. 5, 2003

Question from Allison: I am very interested in joining your cross country team. I believe that a positive relationship between athlete and coach is very important. As head coach, do you see the qualities of devotion and support implemented within your staff?

A: Thank you very much for your interest in our track & field and cross country program. To answer your question I currently have one full time assistant coach who works with the sprinters and hurdlers and one part time assistant who helps me with the men's cross country team. The three of us really work well together and are very devoted to our student athletes. Again thank you very much for your interest in our program. All the best - Coach Smolka

Question from Jonathan: I've been following the success of your male cross country team this season. Looking ahead to next season, what methods will be used in order to recruit more male athletes for the cross country team?

A:I'm really happy you are interested in our men's cross country program. The way we usually recruit student athletes is by contacting high school coaches, attending high school and invitational cross country meets and checking on cross country results in newspapers, online and via telephone. We also get quite a number of student athletes who contact us via email, telephone or though our departments web page. I hope this brief paragraph answers your question adequately. Thank you very much for your interest and good luck in all your future endeavors - All the best - Coach Smolka

Question from Sean: I went to speed camp this past summer. I started at 4.9 and ended at 4.75. I play football. My question is I was thinking about doing indoor track this winter. Will this help my speed get better. Thank you.

A: Competing in meets is always a good way to sharpen up your technique, but I'm not sure if I fully understand your question of whether you should or shouldn't "do indoor track this winter." Does your track coach give you a choice? Usually if you are on a team your coach would want you to race at school meets, and through the combination of practice and competition you improve your form and times. I hope I somewhat answered your question satisfactorily, good luck this season, all the best - Coach Smolka

Question from Quentin Bietel: Dear Coach Smolka, My daughter raves about you constently. When she was recruited 5 years ago she was promised a TRACK by her senior year. It is now her 5th year at FAU and there is NO track in site. I would like to know when the track is coming?

A:I don't think there is anyone in this world who would like an on campus track facility more than me. However, at the moment I am waiting patiently until an architectural firm finishes it's "facility master plan" which will hopefully include an on campus football stadium and a brand new on campus track. Thank you very much for your support over all these years, Sincerely - Alex M. Smolka