The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1306549
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 ■ 15 TRACKING THE PACK "The main focus is trying to get used to fighting through a little bit more of a wall around that 5K mark. Before, I would be finishing then, and now I have to put my head down and make it a little bit farther. That's been big." Have you found running at the college level to be more of a team process than it was at the high school level? "Yes, I have. For me, it's big on the team level, especially in this first year of racing. It means a lot to just line up in uniform next to the guys that I've been working so hard with. "It is a lot more of a team focus for me, because we know what we're capable of and we know our goals. It's been fun to have ev- eryone with that mindset that we are going to work hard, and we're going to go out there and have those lofty goals." What's one thing you want to accomplish during your time at NC State? "I would definitely lean towards a team goal for this one. I really have enjoyed the freshmen that came in this year, and I know that this season is a big year for us, even if it's a little wonky [due to COVID-19]. I'm really excited and really looking forward to being a part of rebuilding the team. "We want to make a push for the podium at nationals in the coming years. We always say the goal is to win the ACC and then do well at nationals. My big goal for my time here would be to make that national podium for cross country [with a top-four team finish]." As a North Carolina native, did you always see yourself go- ing to NC State? "Definitely. I grew up a State fan. Both of my parents and my older sister went to NC State. I've been going to Wolfpack football games since I was a little kid. This was where I wanted to go. This was the end all, be all. "It's actually the only place I applied to, and luckily everything worked out and fell into place. I love it. It was probably the easiest choice I've had to make." What has been your favorite memory so far of being a stu- dent-athlete at NC State? "My first collegiate race. I got to go to South Carolina and race the mile indoors. That was really special for me, just finally being able to wear the uniform. As a State fan for all of my life, I really always wanted to do that, and it was really special for me." — Justin H. Williams 1. Favorite musical artist? "Glass Animals." 2. Favorite movie? "'Baby Driver.'" 3. Favorite show to watch on Netflix? "'The Last Airbender.'" 4. Favorite book? "'Sherlock Holmes.'" 5. What is your major? "Civil Engineering." 6. Favorite sport to watch? "NC State football." 7. An athlete you look up to? "Ben Barrett, he was a senior on the team last year, and he showed me the ropes here." 8. Favorite class so far at NC State? "CSC 111 — Introduction to Com- puting (Python)." 9. Favorite flavor of Howling Cow ice cream? "Wolf Tracks." 10. What's your favorite restaurant around campus? "D.P. Dough." Ten Questions With Ben Verchick www.acleanerworld.com Right the first time or it's free. Hem it. SEW IT. LENGTHEN IT. SHORTEN IT. BUTTON IT. SNAP IT. ZIP IT. WE DO IT. We'll perform the necessary surgery. Because it's less traumatic to alter the clothing than the wearer.