Lewis Price Hoping for Strong Finish in Senior Season

Every athlete has the same goal in mind, which is to be the best at what they do. University of Tampa cross country runner Lewis Price is no different. Currently in his senior year, Price is looking forward to a successful and rewarding final season.

Price is a native from Miami Fla., and is currently pursuing a major in history. A leader on the team, he is hoping to make it back to nationals for another chance at the title.

As a junior, Price participated in eight events and placed in the top-50 in four of them. He placed seventh at the Sunshine State Conference Championships with a time of 26:15.00, 17th at the NCAA South Regional, and 125th at the NCAA Championships.

Price's biggest influences during his career have been his parents. "My dad had me running since I was a little boy and my mom brought me to every one of my races. They both have done nothing but support me throughout my career."

His coaches and teammates also have had a big impact on his career. "I was with my teammates everyday and we always push each other to do better."

Price is now one of five seniors on the men's cross-country team. He is a leader on and off the race course. Price enjoys being able to help his younger teammates become better and improve their times. He loves having the support of his team. "Being on a team forces you to work hard together and push each other to be better."

Price's favorite memory since being on the team was in 2011 when the cross-country team made it to nationals in for the second time in Spartan history. They traveled to Washington for the race.

"I have never been in a race outside of Florida so to go up to Washington and run in the snow was a lot of fun. It was a different experience." Price had his two best times leading up to nationals. At conference, he ran an 8k at 26:15, and at regional's, he ran a 10k at 33:20.

When asked if he had any superstitions or prerace rituals, Price said he does nothing but concentrate on his race. He tries to zone out everything else that is going on and focus on what he has to do. However he refuses to put his number on his shirt until he is walking up to the starting line.

After his career is over, Price plans to keep running for fun. He plans on joining his dad in long distance adventure runs. As of right now, he is the assistant coach at Tampa Prep for cross-country. Price plans on continuing with his coaching career in the future following graduation.

Written by Lindsay Dring