The Augustana Observer sat down with men’s track and field captain Issac Smith to discuss his role as a captain and the team’s ambitions for the season.
1. What are team’s goals for the next season? 
“Definitely to win indoor and outdoor conference are the big ones. Winning as a team and doing the best we can are the highlights of the year for both seasons, as well as pushing each other to make good choices, be able to compete well and do the best we can do.”
2. Is there any pressure that comes with being a captain?
“I don’t really see it as pressure. It’s really just acting as an intermediate between athletes and coaches.”
3. What does being a part of the track team mean to you? 
“The team is like family to me. Those guys I have been around every single day for hours.”
  4. Are you involved in any other extracurriculars on campus?
 “I am a member of Rho Nu Delta.”
5. How long have you been doing track and field? What keeps you in the sport? 
“About ten years now. I’ve been in track since seventh grade. I like the individual aspect of it. Win or lose it is solidly based on my own performance, and not necessarily on other people. But, I also like that it does have team elements.”
6. How has joining track changed you?
“I think it allows me to have opportunities to succeed and grow. It has really helped me to become more confident and assured of myself. It also lets me have opportunities where I can challenge myself and be competitive.”
7.  How do you balance being a student and an athlete?
“Any student athlete is going to  have to  find that balance between academics and sports. I have found it to be challenging because obviously I want to do well in school and I want to do well in my  sport. But as long as I am on top of myself with scheduling and organizing, it’s not too much of a job.”
8. What are your goals for the indoor season? 
“I want to do as much as I can to help my team. I want to perform the best of my ability to help the guys on my team do their best.  My teammates and I are trying to qualify for the 4×400 relay at the (Division III) National Meet and compete for a national title. I think it’s a fairly reasonable goal with our team.”