Salute to Seniors: Brian Hastings Q&A

Brian Hastings (13) ran a 1600m PR of 4:13.82 in qualifying at the State Meet. (Pat Rhames photo)

• My most memorable moment would definitely be making the 2018 state final in the 1600m, running 4:13. After being the first guy out of the final the year before, I had spent the last year centering everything I did around making the final in Clovis this year.

Q: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years? 

• My freshman and sophomore year the top 1600m guy in our section (Northern) was Chris Morzenti from Mt Shasta. Although I was nowhere near him for the first two years of high school, I would say he was a great competitor as well as a great friend.

Q: What was your greatest accomplishment? 

• I would say my "greatest" accomplishment would be making the state final. Winning back to back section 1600m titles was very special as well, but nothing compared to the feeling of seeing my name in the results with a big "Q" next to it.

Q: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?

• I would definitely pay more attention to how my body is reacting to different training as well as being more proactive in preventing anything that could hinder my running (injuries, health, etc). Also, keeping an optimistic attitude when it seems everything is collapsing is incredibly important looking back.

Q: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome? 

• My junior year during cross country my running was absolutely falling apart and I had no explanation for it. After a little research, I realized I had the symptoms of anemia, and sure enough, a blood test confirmed my ferritin was at a dangerously low level. Once I had that figured out, I was on my way back. 

Q: What will you miss the most? 

• Growing up with my father as the school's coach, I had experienced Northern Section track and field from a young age. What I will miss most includes standing on our wooden podium at the section finals as well as the state meet. I've found that I thrive under pressure, and the state meet has always brought out the best in me.

Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes? 

• The best advice I could give to a younger athlete would be to just relax. Don't stress too much over one bad race or workout, because fitness is accumulated over months and years, so one bad performance will not ruin a season.

Q: What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals? 

• My dad, Bob Hastings, has coached me ever since I started running competitively in 7th grade. Being a runner himself, he understood the struggles I experienced and could always talk sense into my head. We've made a great team and definitely nailed down a perfect training program over the last few seasons. Although I am going on to compete collegiately now, I know I will still go to my dad to keep my head screwed on straight. 

Q: What are your college plans? 

• I will be attending Chico State this fall where I will be coached by Gary Towne. Chico is an incredible program and it is a dream come true to be a part of it.

Q: Who would you like to say thank you to? 

• Huge thank you to both my parents, Bob and Leslie, for unending belief and support in my sometimes outlandish goals. I'd also like to thank my uncle Gary, Toni Ruggle, Kim Ellison, and coach Towne. Also, thanks to Justin Knoefler and Taroshi Thao for always keeping me on my toes at practice and school. 

Q: Is there anything else you'd like to add? 

• Go Wildcats!