We spoke with seniors James Kasten and Catherine Newman of the cross country and tennis teams, respectively, in this edition of "He Said/She Said", where we ask one male and one female athlete the same set of questions and compare their responses. Here are James' answers, click here to read Catherine's.
Vanderbilt Hustler: How important is it to retain focus in a year-round sport?
James Kasten: It’s very important, we take two weeks off after cross country ends, and then we get right back into track. It’s basically an all-year-round sport.
VH: While individual success is important in your sport, what role does the team play?
JK: The team definitely helps — we try to stick together as a team and push each other. You can use your team as a good reference point when you’re racing.
VH: As a senior, how would you sum up your four years at Vanderbilt?
JK: It’s been a build up. I didn’t run my freshman year, but starting my sophomore year, I’ve been progressing through it.
VH: How have you seen your sport’s program evolve over your career?
JK: It’s getting a lot more intense and a lot better. I think we’re heading in a positive direction.
VH: How important are agility and movement in your success?
JK: Movement is important, but agility is really just vital at the start and end of each race.
VH: What’s your pre-game routine?
JK: We do a morning shake-out right when we get up, so about four or five hours before the race. We do our warm ups and then a couple of miles. We listen to music and get prepared.
VH: What has been the most memorable venue you’ve played at?
JK: For the Southeastern Conference Championships, we ran at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.
