Colton Stunkard has had an immediate impact on the UTSA cross country program in his debut season with the Roadrunners. The sophomore transfer from Texas City recently earned All-Conference USA honors with a 15th-place finish at the league's cross country championships. He is set to race in the NCAA South Central Regional on Friday morning in Bryan-College Station. He recently visited with goUTSA.com to talk about how he got interested in running, why he chose UTSA and what he likes to do in his spare time.
How long have you been running?
I've been running since the third grade. In third, fourth and fifth grades, we did Turkey Trots, which is a race that happens at our elementary around every Thanksgiving. Each grade would line up and run to compete against each other, and whoever won would get a free turkey. And I just so happened to win every year so I got a lot of free turkeys. I got into it heavy around seventh grade though. That is when I started to take running a lot more seriously.
Why did you choose to run cross country?
My dad was a big runner, and he ran in high school and some in college. It motivated me to be good at it because I looked up to him. I wouldn't say that I chose running, it kind of chose me. Growing up it wasn't my number one sport, it wasn't even my number two or three sport. But waking up and just being able to run and put in the mileage and being surrounded by such a good group of guys that push you to be your best self, that stuck with me.
Why did you choose UTSA?
When I was in the transfer portal this past summer, I came to visit and was able to get to know the guys on the team and the coaches a little bit better. I knew Coach Hartman had a lot of success coaching in previous years and a long history of running. The team seemed very motivated to achieve high goals, and it was just a higher level of intensity and competition here. Also, the facilities at UTSA are great and the coaches understand the mental and physical toll of running and how to help you to be your best self.
What are some of your favorite running memories so far?
Running a PR of 24.38 in the 8k at Arturo (Barrios Invitational) because I knew I had it in me but I didn't know how fast I could go. Another one would be placing 15th at conference and making all-conference honors.
What are you studying?
I am studying business. I have always been fascinated by the whole business side of the world and I've always had a hustler's mentality in and outside of running. Being in the business world, that type of mindset gets you really far. Eventually, I would love to start my own business.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I'm a pretty simple guy. I just like to hang out and go on walks or runs with my dog, hang out with friends or just listen to music. I'm big into country music. I love Morgan Wallen and Parker McCollum, but I also love listening to the oldies as well.
