The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Get to know the newcomers: Ryan Dohner
09.02.2010 | XC: Men_Old, Track & Field / Cross Country
Sept. 2, 2010
Freshman runner Ryan Dohner enters the Longhorn program after enjoying a long list of successes during his prep career. Dohner was a two-time all state cross country selection while lettering in both track and cross country during each of his four years.
As captain of the track and cross country teams during his junior and senior seasons, Dohner was able to lead his team by example. The Spring, Texas native claimed the state title in the 3,200 meters (8:55) as a senior, as well as placing second at the 5A state cross country meet.
Now that he has had two full weeks of class and training under his belt, Dohner took the time to talk with TexasSports.com about his choice to come to UT, the city of Austin and his early experience as a Longhorn.
Why did you choose to run for The University of Texas? I've always wanted to go here since about seventh grade when all of the guys like Leo Manzano were here. That got me excited about it at first. Then one of my dad's runners that he coached went here and he started talking about the school. It sounded really interesting to me. As the years went on, I kept looking at the school. I heard they got a new coach. My dad was telling me about Coach Hayes and how he came from NAU and how he did really good things there. It got me really excited. The more I talked to Coach Hayes and thought about it, I knew it was the right place for me. I always have really liked Austin and it's not too far from home or too close.
What did you like about the coaching staff? I think that we have everything that I need here. The style of training I did in high school is pretty close to what it is here, strength based. I love all of the philosophies they have for training. They help me out with everything. When I came on my visit I saw everything that they have to make sure that you stay healthy. It's everything you could need.
How are you making the transition to training in college? You've got to believe in yourself. You've got to know what you're capable of. You kind of have to know that everyone else in college is really good too. It's not going to be a breeze to win races. You've got to step your game up. You have to do the work all day every day. You have to get your rest. You can't stay up really late like you did in high school and get away with it in college.
How have the older guys on the team helped the freshmen? They've made it really easy. They give us rides everywhere, because none of the freshmen have cars. They help us out a lot by giving us rides to practice. If we ask them to take us somewhere they'll do it. They also give us a lot of tips and stuff. If we need tips about anything, about college, they let us know.
How has it been balancing academics and athletics? It's not been bad at all. We do all of our training at the beginning of the day. Then I have school in the middle and I study at night. It's pretty easy to balance it if you know what you need to do.
What do you like about the city of Austin? Where I come from it's a lot different. Austin is more of a city. It has a really cool atmosphere. I don't know how to describe it really, but you can just feel it. It's a fun place and you can be who you want to be. You don't have to act a certain way. It has a lot of really cool nature places like Barton Springs and the Greenbelt.
What are you looking forward to this season? This year, as long as I stay healthy and I get this whole year of training in, I'll be happy. I don't really have a goal except to finish the best I can.