Catching Up with the Top XC Returners for 2016 - Daniel White

Watkin's Memorial's Daniel White was the #2 runner for Watkins.  He was 16th in the D1 Boys race last year and is ranked OH #10 of all returners with a 15:33.55.  He gained a tremendous amount of experience as a junior last year and was somewhat under the radar with the year his teammate Andrew Jordan had.  Watch for a breakout season for Daniel.  (photo Christian Lisle)

Best time in a 5K race and in which meet?

My best time in a 5k is a 15:33 which I ran in our LCL conference meet on our home course.

Tell us how your summer training is going?

So far my summer training has gone very well, however getting up at 6:30 every morning has been a struggle. Still, it is worth it and I have huge goals for this year.

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

I have some very big goals this year, I would definitely like to make it back to the State Meet and there are some pretty substantial times I would like to run

How long have you been running and how did you get started?

I started running in 8th grade, so I am now approaching my 5th year of running. I started running simply because of my sister, she was a huge influence and watching her go on to run in Division 1 made me want to follow in her footsteps.

Will you be competing anywhere out of state this season?

I hope to go back to the Footlocker Midwest meet in Wisconsin again, aside from that I have no plans to run outside of Ohio in the regular season.

What is your favorite course to run in Ohio?

My favorite course, hands down, is our home course that we hold the McGowan invitational on.

What meet during the regular season do you put extra emphasize on to compete well at?

I want to put a lot of emphasis on the McGowan invitation, as it will be one of my last times running on our home course and I feel I could run very well and very fast.

What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?

My favorite race is most likely the Regional race. I really like Pickerington North's course and the Regional race has a much different atmosphere that I love to be around.

Favorite cross country memory?

My favorite cross memory was winning the Regional meet last year. It was a huge goal that we managed to achieve.

When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
When I am not running, I play the drums for the band Inner Reflection and play basketball, among other sports, with my friends.

Favorite quote?

My favorite quote is, "Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up." - Dean Karnazes

What shoes do you train in?

I train in Brooks Ghost 8

What shoes do you race in?

I like to race in primarily Saucony spikes

What professional athlete would you most like to meet?

Honestly, there are no professional athletes that can come to mind, but meeting a Pro on the USA distance team would be a life goal.

What is something that most people don't know about you?

Most people probably don't know that I am a drummer and am looking to pursue a music major in the future.