Sophomore Faith Barlow has emerged as one of the top performers for the UTSA women’s cross country and track and field teams over the past year. The daughter of former UTSA standout Steve Barlow has posted four top-15 finishes this fall, including a third-place effort at the Ricardo Romo/Six Flags Fiesta Texas Classic in September. With the Southland Conference Championships on the horizon this Saturday in Corpus Christi, Barlow took time out of her busy schedule this week to sit down with Sarah Silva of goUTSA.com and discuss several topics.
Faith Barlow ? So. ? San Antonio, Texas
Do you think running track in high school prepared you for collegiate track?
“High school definitely prepared me for college. It’s very different, though. I was coached by my dad in high school, and he didn’t let me get away with anything like having days off or getting out of a workout. It was a huge adjustment when I came to UTSA and was coached by someone else. I was more excited than nervous, though, because since my dad went to UTSA he knew Coach (Rose) Monday and Coach (James) Blackwood, and I’ve known them since sixth grade. The transition wasn’t too extreme, because I knew her and how she coached.”
Rose Monday left for another job over the summer, but UTSA hired Katie Kelley, a former Roadrunner, to take over the cross country and distance program in August. How has the change in coaches affected you?
“Coach Kelley has been a good change. I loved Coach Monday, but Coach Kelly is more, in a sense, like my dad, and I think that is what I need. She doesn’t let me get away with anything, but she does have feelings. Also, we’re so much alike, it’s weird. I see her more as an older teammate because she runs with us any chance she gets.”
How do you handle the demands of juggling school and competing in a sport?
“Freshman year was kind of like the 13th grade for me. My parents have always stressed school to me. Ever since elementary school I would get grounded if I made a 95 or below on anything, so school has always been number one. I came to UTSA for school, and running is something I also do.”
Is there anything that particularly motivates you as an athlete?
“Winning. I know it’s clich?, but I love winning. It’s something that has always motivated me. I don’t really try to beat records, I try to beat my own personal times. Also, having Dana Mecke to run with during meets helps; we motivate each other to do well.”
How does it feel to be following in your dads footsteps?
“I don’t feel like I’m following in his footsteps, it’s just more of having something in common. I think it’s because I’m not his son, but I definitely feel like we have a connection because I’m going to his alma mater. My dad has always been the person I turn to when it comes to track, though. He’s awesome; he knows running and has lived running since he moved to the U.S. He’s given me every bit of knowledge I’ve needed to know, and he still does.”
Do you think you were better prepared for this season, already having a year under your belt?
“No. To be honest, I had a plan to take what I did last year and do much better, but during the summer I injured my knee and I felt like I had to start all over again. With the change in coaches and our team being so young, I almost feel like a freshman again.”
In high school, you and Dana Mecke were usually each other’s biggest competition at meets. Has that carried over to college, now that you attend the same school?
“In high school, people made it seem like we were rivals, like we didn’t like each other, but when I heard she was going to go to UTSA, I was more than excited to have someone that I knew I could run with. It’s very different coming from high school and not having any other girls to run with and just having my dad. Coming to college and having someone who you can run with is definitely a good thing. We’re still competitive with each other, but in a good way. We push each other to do better.”
What types of things do you like to do, other than cross country?
“Play soccer. I don’t get to play that often, because I never have time, but I love to play. Also, I’ve recently gotten addicted to this show “Nip/Tuck.” I’ve gone through four seasons, and the fifth season starts on Tuesday, so I’m trying to get as many episodes in before it starts. “Nip/Tuck” has definitely been one of my addictions this semester.”
What are your plans after college?
“I want to get my teaching certificate. I want to teach English and coach cross country and track, so I would need a school that will allow me to do that. I would probably continue running, just not as competitively, unless by some miracle I become really fast.”
