Aug. 29, 2002

Q: Last year, as a freshman, you were Carolina's top runner. This season you are expected to be the top runner again. What does it feel like to be considered the best and what kind of pressure does that put on you?

Brian McGovern:I look at myself as just one of the guys. I look forward to going into the season with my head held high. I have one year of experience under my belt and I think that is going to help for this season. I am anxious to start the 2002 campaign this Saturday and see what we can do.

Q: How much experience did you gain last year and what did you gain from competing at the ACC Championship a season ago?

Brian McGovern: I came into last season not knowing at all what to expect. I had no idea where I would be compared to other runners in the nation. My teammates did a good job letting me know where I should be, but that is impossible to gage until you experience it in competition. I finished in the top 50 at the ACC Championship, and I am expecting to finish much higher at the 2002 championship. I knew how to train over the summer, which in turn has helped with my endurance for this season. I worked extremely hard and am ready to help the team get better.

Q: What does it take to be a leader and how have you handled that role so early in your career?

Brian McGovern: I just want to go out there and do what is necessary. We are a close team, and I think everybody can be a leader. In order for us to improve this season, we have to work as a team.

Q: What are some of your goals in 2002, and what are some of the team goals?

Brian McGovern: My personal goal is to finish as high as possible at ACC's. All-Conference would be nice. For the team, we have to get everybody running together as a pack. We have pre-nationals, ACC's and districts. Qualifying for the NCAA District III Championship and even making the NCAA Tournament would be some of the goals we have set for ourselves.