-Athlete Name: Kyle Polman
-School: Independence
-Year of Graduation: 2013
-Best time in a 5K race and in which meet:
16:03 2010 State Meet Scioto Downs
-Tell us how your summer training is going?
Summer training is going well. I had to ease into the mileage with some cross training due to an unfortunate hip flexor injury, which ended my track season early.
-What are your goals for the upcoming season?
To become a Footlocker National Championship qualifier.
-How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I've been running competitively for eight years and began running to get in shape for soccer.
-Will you be competing anywhere out of state this season?
Hopefully I will travel to Indiana and Wisconsin to run in both the Nike and Footlocker qualifying meets.
-What is your favorite course to run in Ohio?
Scioto Downs race track because it is a true cross country course. The third mile rewards smart runners and punishes runners who try to win from the start. Also, entering the stadium each time gives you a professional feeling and the fans help push you to the limit.
-What is the toughest course to run in Ohio?
Scioto Downs is also the toughest course I've run in Ohio because of the hilly third mile and the level of competition you face at the State Championship meet.
-What meet during the regular season do you put extra emphasize on to compete well at?
The most important meet to me during the regular season is the Boardman Spartan Invitational. I focus specifically on this meet because it is the Northeast Regional site and some of the best teams in Ohio come to compete there.
-What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
My favorite race in my high school career was the 2009 Sate Championships at Scioto Downs. It was the first time in our school's history that the cross country team qualified for the State Meet, and became the second State Championship Independence had ever won in any sport. I was one of the top-ranked freshmen in Ohio, but nobody expected a 5'5", 90lb freshman to finish fourth overall.
-Favorite cross country memory?
Finishing fourth in the 2009 State Championships as a freshman.
-When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
Fishing
-Favorite quote?
"To be number 1, you have to train like you're number 2."
-What's on your Ipod when you go out for runs?
Dubstep, alternative rock and The Devil Wears Prada
-What professional athlete would you most like to meet?
Adam Goucher because he began running in high school and became very successful from the start. I really enjoyed reading "Running With the Buffaloes" and I was inspired by his dedication to his team and his self-discipline, which led him to one of the most successful careers of any American distance runner.