Aug. 27, 2010

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - With the 2010 season beginning next week, NavySports.com caught up with senior captain Andrew Hanko. The Patriot League Runner of the Year and Montville, N.J., native talks about the team's success over the past two seasons and the high expectations for this fall. Hanko also shares some insight on training and how he spent some of his downtime this past summer.

After consecutive Patriot League titles and the core of the team returning, how high are the expectations for the team this season?

The expectations are definitely highest they've been since I've been here. We want to go to NCAAs - that's our goal and we're all on board with that. Our region is very tough and competitive, but we have a legitimate shot if we stay healthy.

It's often said that depth is the key to success. Does this year's team have more depth than any other team you've been a part of here at Navy?

Yes. We have a lot of depth with the sophomore and junior class. The juniors are really, really strong and they're ready to go to the next level. We all have to be able to go to the next level if we want to go to nationals.

You've experienced a great deal of individual success in the past year - both in cross country and track. What are your personal goals for the upcoming season?

We obviously want to qualify for nationals as a team. I really want to get there and become an All-American.

The cross country season can take its toll on your body, talk about what you do as the season goes on to stay at your best.

Coach Cantello is really good with deciding when to taper our workouts and when to really push us hard. The training all just depends on the upcoming race and competition.

Talk about what it means to you to be elected captain of this team.

It means a lot, especially this year with the tragedy that occurred in coach's family. I went to the funeral (for his son), and the support of all of the alumni really gave me an insight on the privilege I have of being captain. I remember looking at the media guide in previous years and I always looked at the list of guys that were captains and said to myself `I want to be one of those guys.' It's a very, very high honor.

Talk about your summer and what you did to train for the upcoming season.

This year for team camp we went to Sula, Mont., for about two weeks to train as a team and it was great. Even when I go home, I try to train with my brother. It helps to have someone push you. It's really good to run with people - that is what team camp is all about.

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?

I have no idea. I've got the Navy for at least five years and we'll go from there.

If you could train with anyone for a day, who would it be?

Ryan Hall. I have no idea how I would keep up with him, but just to meet and train with him would be great. There are so many great runners our there.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I come from a huge family. My mom has 15 siblings and my dad has seven.

What is the best thing about the Naval Academy?

Being able to be a part of a team and all the history here.

What do you enjoy most about cross country?

I'd say a couple things. First, being part of a team atmosphere - all my really good friends were are, or are still, on the team. That is how you really get to know somebody. Secondly, running in itself is very satisfying. The competition is great; I love running against people.

What are your hobbies?

I love doing things outdoors but, I also read all the time. I'll read pretty much anything.

What was the last book you read?

Assegai, by Wilbur Smith. It's a historical fiction book.

What is your favorite place to vacation? Yosemite National Park.

What is your most memorable moment in sports?

In high school, at the indoor state meet, in the two-mile race. I got second place by .03. It was an epic race. I think I'd rather have a really competitive race and lose than be in a noncompetitive race.

What is your favorite pre-race meal?

Whenever we go out as a team the night before a race I always have chicken parmesan and spaghetti.

If you could go any where in the world for a week, where would it be?

If I could spend another week in Europe, I would. Though not sure where in Europe I would go.

Do you have a dream job?

Flying something. Hopefully, I'll be able to do that.

Do you have any superstitions?

I don't think I have any superstitions. There are certain things we do as a team, but I don't have any personal superstitions.