Jan. 8, 2009

FAIRFAX, Va. - Junior cross country and track runner, Sam Horn, is gearing up for an extremely competitive season. After a strict training program in the offseason, Horn returned to Mason prepared to run at a highly competitive level. Horn sat down to answer a few questions with GoMason.com.

Question: What training did you do in the summer to prepare for this season?
Horn: I was recovering from a stress fracture in my foot. I got the stress fracture doing a 600-meter time trial postseason. I went to West Virginia and spent a week out there camping and training with the rest of the Mason team. After that I went to Yellowstone National Park to do some altitude training. I tried to stay off my foot as much as I could so that it could heal. However, the only way to train for running is to run.

Question: What are your expectations for the team this season?
Horn: I am expecting that the team should develop into a strong contender in the 4x8 relays throughout the season. We have a lot of young talent and a lot of hard workers on the team. This will pay off when the Penn Relays and IC4A meet both in indoor, as well as outdoor. We are working hard to win CAA outdoors, as well as IC4A indoors, and outdoors.

Question: Was it a difficult transition transferring from James Madison to Mason?
Horn: The transition between James Madison and Mason was certainly an interesting one. These schools are different in the sense of demographics. However, deciding to transfer with four of my best friends really made a difference. Because our bond is so tight, we can tackle any task. Although it did take some time for us to be accepted as a group into the Mason team, we have a bond stronger than ever. It was hard to part ways with viewing the Mason guys as being our competitors and gaining their trust as teammates, but knowing that we were all strong competitors helped us gain each others trust in always being there for your teammates.

Question: Is it difficult to balance being an athlete with the demands of performing well in the classroom?
Horn: Since I have balanced schoolwork with running all through high school, it is second nature to me now. I think if I didn't have track and structure in my high school days, I would have terrible grades. The School of Management is very competitive and I am a very competitive person. I had to make a lot of sacrifices to keep my grades up. Not everyone can handle the demand of this work. However, the athletic academic services department provides a lot of support for their athletes such as tutors, and computer labs.

Question: Your major is finance, what makes you interested in studying that field?
Horn: My father has been a big influence in my interest in finance. He studied finance at Northeastern as well as MIT Sloan and now manages two award-winning mutual funds. I plan on becoming a financial analyst and traveling the world to research valued companies to invest in.

Question: What is your favorite place to travel to?
Horn: I would have to say South Africa because it is such an amazing experience to see the way other people live their lives. Outside the developed cities reside third world shanty towns. It was also amazing camping out in the middle of Kruger National Park. My second is Ireland, then Greece, and finally the UNITED STATES! Next summer I plan on visiting London, Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Paris, Berlin and Brussels on a school trip.

Question: What is on your iPod?
Horn: Three 6 Mafia, Project Pat and Rick Ross

Question: What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
Horn: Tend to my garden.

Question: Do you have any superstitions before competing?
Horn: I have to eat tiramisu before a big race.