The University of Akron Athletics
'On The Record' With Track's Alex Bowers
February 29 | Track & Field
'On The Record' is GoZips.com's weekly Q&A feature that provides the opportunity for Zips fans to get to know a member of The University of Akron track and field program.
This week, we sat down with UA sophomore Alex Bowers. In addition to running distance on the track and field team, Bowers, a native of Burton, Ohio, is one of the top runners on the women's cross country team.
GoZips.com: How did you first get started participating in track & field?
Bowers: When I was younger I tried just about every sport but always complained that there wasn't enough running involved. I wasn't particularly great at any sport but I could play forever. Then the summer before eighth grade, my brother dragged me along to a summer run so his girlfriend's sister would have someone to run with. Although I enjoyed it, I was indecisive about joining the cross country team until my brother put me in a headlock and flipped me upside down until I agreed to run. By the end of my first season I was hooked.
Why did you decide to participate in track & field in college?
My brother has always been a huge inspiration in my life, especially in track. He dragged me along to indoor track practices, 5 a.m. lifting workouts, and hundreds of runs throughout high school. He wasn't naturally talented but he always worked harder than anyone else and that inspired me to try to do the same. He always had high expectations and taught me that all you need to achieve something great is hard work, guts and opportunity. Also, I had several high school teammates and coaches who overcame extreme obstacles who have inspired me.
What motivates you during a tough training session?
My desire to improve and my teammates. Having team goals and working together towards them keeps everyone accountable and motivates us to stick it out when workouts get tough. Also, I came from a very small high school with a very supportive and involved community, so knowing that there are so many people still keeping track of my results and rooting for me to succeed is motivating.
Why did you choose to come to The University of Akron?
I chose The University of Akron because it had both the academic and athletic atmosphere I was looking for in a college. Akron's engineering and honors programs were both big draws but Coach (Scott) Jones was also the right fit for me. He understood that being a student and an athlete don't have to be mutually exclusive.
What are some of your athletic goals?
Mostly I want to be a MAC Champion and help our woman's team win a triple crown (cross country, indoor and outdoor MAC Championships). Individually, I'd also like to qualify for the NCAA Championships.
What are your career goals?
To work at a engineering company designing and producing prosthesis, artificial joints, and all the tools that go along with those things.
Do you have a certain ritual for competition?
Nope.
What is your greatest track & field memory?
The first time I ran in the state cross country meet as a sophomore in high school in 2007. My sophomore year was a huge break through for me as I went from running 22:01 as a freshmen to running 19:29 at state as a sophomore. It's hard to explain, but there was just something magical about that year, our team t-shirts had an Albus Dumbledore quote on them, "It is our choices that show who we truly are far more than our abilities" and that really defined our season. In 2006, we had five girls on our team and finished third to last at Regionals, in 2007 we had 12 girls and finished fourth in the state!
How does the Akron home meet atmosphere compare to some of the meets you have been to at other MAC schools?
I always thought it was cool that even when we were competing somewhere else, Akron had a large and loud fan section. Akron home meets make it even more evident. Also, how our facility is set up and how the meets are run make even little meets seem like a big deal, you always feel like you're competing for a championship.
What does it mean to you to be able to compete in front of a home crowd so often during the Indoor Season?
It's great, it takes a lot of the stress off during the indoor season and lets us focus on running fast and setting PR's. It's also really nice for friends and family to get to watch so often.
'On The Record' archives:
Feb. 22: Ariane Beaumont-Courteau
Feb. 15: Gabriel Genovesi
Feb. 8: Skyler Willis
Feb. 1: Valerie Fraizer (Wert)
Jan. 24: Daryl Baptiste
