Senior Garrett Eklof, a middle distance track and field athlete from Madison, Wis., who after graduating from Madison La Follette High School in 2008, attended Iowa State competing in both cross-country and track and field.  In the summer of 2011, he transferred from Iowa State to Minnesota State.  In his first year running track and field for the Mavericks, he had eight top-five finishes while winning two events.  Eklof was also named to the 2012 NSIC fall academic list and received NCAA DII All-Region honors after competing in the NCAA Central Region Championship last year.

“Garrett is a tremendous athlete.  He works hard and gets out what he puts in to his training,” said head coach Mark Schuck.  “He is a very smart student and a natural leader for the team.  I look for him to finish his college career running in nationals.”
 
Q:  What were some of the things that brought you to MSU?
A:  Coach Schuck was a big reason.  I asked around a lot of the Division II schools in Minnesota and Schuck caught my eye.  I enjoyed the newer facilities.  I came here with Joshua Mellman who also transferred from Iowa State.

Q:  Who is you favorite athlete? Why?
A:  Brett Favre because that’s who I, along with many young Wisconsin boys, looked up to.

Q:  Do you enjoy running indoor track or outside track more, why?
A:  Indoor is better because of Myers Field House.  Not only is it one of the best indoor tracks in Division II but the crowds are wonderful!

Q:  Any special rituals or superstitions you perform before your races?
A:  I listen to a lot of J Cole before every race.  I eat four hours before and absorb caffeine an hour before.

Q:  Do you think running cross-country gives you an advantage for track, why?
A:  Running year around keeps me in shape and keeps me in race mode, plus the summers are the best to train in. 

Q:  What is your favorite thing about being a track and field athlete?
A: Competing as a team and just competing in general.  Everyone’s performance adds to the team score.  Seeing the team all come
together and cheering each other on is a great feeling.  Also, I enjoy the anxiety I feel before races. 

Q:  Who is your favorite sports team?
A:  Green Bay Packers, but after Brett Favre and the Packers split ways, its been harder to cheer for them

Q:  Which is your favorite race: 1500m, 3000m, 5000m or 10,000m? Why?
A:  My favorite race is the 1500m even though it’s my toughest race.  It’s done so quick that it doesn’t allow me to over think. 

Q:  What is your favorite sports movie?
A:  Remember the Titans.  I used to quote that movie during the long runs in high school.   

Q:  What are your plans for life after college? Do they involve track and field?
A:  No, they do not involve track and field.  As of right now, I may ether go to graduate school or enter the work force.

Q:  What is your biggest accomplishment at MSU so far?
A:  I went through a lot of adversity in college, but getting a hold of that adversity and growing up at Minnesota State is my greatest accomplishment.  My time at MSU has given me the drive in life to accomplish anything and I will always remember my time here at MSU.