Nov. 23, 2010
Fairfax, Va. - David Verburg enters his sophomore year after an outstanding freshman season where he was named CAA Rookie of the Year. Verburg was the 2010 400-meter Champion at the CAA Championship recording a time of 46.27. He was part of the 2010 NCAA Indoor All-American 4x400-meter Relay and also led off the relay at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, finishing tenth. David ran in the USA's gold-medal 4x400-meter relay at the World Junior Championship in Canada this past summer after finishing third at the USATF Junior Nationals. Verburg looks to build on his fast start to his college career and took time to answer some questions for GoMason.com about the upcoming season.
GoMason.com: After winning the CAA Rookie of the Year last season, how do you plan to follow up on that success?
Verburg: I plan on just staying focused on my up-coming season. Getting that award was a great honor, but that was last season. My goal for this year is to be All-American in the 4x4 again and also in the open 400m.
GoMason.com: You had the opportunity to compete at the NCAA National Championships as well as the World Junior Championships; How do you feel those experiences helped you as a runner?
Verburg: It showed me that I am able to compete at the college level. Coming in as a freshman I felt as if I didn't belong. Competing at these major meets really gave me a confidence boost.
GoMason.com: What things do you feel you need to work on the most in order to improve your performance?
Verburg: There are so many things that I don't think I could mention just one. I started seriously running the 400m my senior year of high-school, so I am still learning the race.
GoMason.com: What does your typical off season training involve?
Verburg: Well this past year I was running all summer at USA championships and then World Juniors. By the time my break was over it was time to start regular training.
GoMason.com: Who would you say you look up to the most?
Verburg: My Father and Older Brother
GoMason.com: What do you like to do in your free time?
Verburg: I love hanging out with friends. In the Winter I go snowboarding whenever I can.
GoMason.com: Do you have a certain song or group you listen to before an event?
Verburg: "No Hands" by Roscoe Dash and "Rubberband Man" by T.I
GoMason.com: Is there any special food you eat before or after an event?
Verburg: I eat pasta the night before I run. Before every race I eat some sour gummy worms, which is just a bad habit.
GoMason.com: What are your plans for after graduation?
Verburg: I will see how far track takes me and then plan on getting a job in sports management
