Five weeks ago you broke the Mt. SAC 3 mile record by one second running 14:23. How excited were you upon breaking the record? What did it mean for you?
Clearly, I was very excited because Mt SAC has a great history that goes back nearly 70 years with some very great runners having run there. I’ve been running on the Mt. SAC course since my junior USATF days and having broken the record on what I consider my ‘home course’ is very special. Getting the course record was one of my primary goals coming into this cross country season primarily because I wanted to show that I’m not only a ‘miler’ but a complete runner. Now that I’ve accomplished this goal, it only motivates me to keep improving throughout the postseason and nationals.
We at MileSplit and Flotrack predicted you would break the record, and I’m sure others had high hopes for you as well. Did you personally think it was obtainable on the day?
I personally believed I was capable of breaking the course record. My coaches gave us great workouts that helped prepare for such a tough course. Knowing I was the guy to beat in such a prestigious field of fine runners, I had to make my race plan flexible to either lead the whole race or to make a move later on in the race. I was also quite anxious with anticipation because everyone expected me to break the record but I focused on the plan and I was able to execute it perfectly.
The history at Mt. SAC and the list of athletes that run there is remarkable. What does it tell you about your abilities having beat so many great guys' times at Mt. SAC including the likes of Diego Mercado and Ammar Moussa, whom previously were tied with the record (14:24).
I really love running and knowing that I’m beating times of high school greats such as Ryan Hall, Ammar Moussa, Elias Gedyon, and Diego Mercado is an incredible feeling. Sometimes, I wonder if it truly happened, especially setting the new course record as a junior. My goal will be to lower the record again next year.
How did the race play out to enable you to achieve the record?
The race played out perfectly to my advantage. I didn’t have to do any leading the first mile and it allowed me to save energy for later part of the race. I made my move at the 2-mile mark and never looked back at the other competitors. I ran hard and controlled on the downhills and surged on the uphills.
How did that performance boost your confidence as we near the last few weeks of the season?
My training towards Mt SAC paid off. The two weeks before the race were all focused towards that huge effort. Breaking the record certainly gives me great confidence, but more importantly, my coaches have rested me the last couple of weeks and I feel much stronger and more fresh going into the postseason than ever. Having a deep Brea Olinda team really helps.
At Woodbridge in September you dropped said a goal of yours was to break the Mt. SAC record, well you did that. You also dropped Grant Fisher’s name, the defending Footlocker Champ and 4:02 miler, saying you want to be in the race he is in and beat him. Do you think you can dethrone him and win a national championship?
In order to be the best you have to compete against the best. I also said that if I fell short I always have my senior year to be national champion. For every race, my mentality is the same, which is to push myself, hurt more than the other guys and win.
There are so many tremendous male runners this fall. Are there other guys you are thinking about in particular?
Guys like Matthew Maton, Tanner Anderson, Alex Ostberg, and Andrew Hunter stand out to me because these guys know how to execute their races and dominate. Also, all of these guys have broken huge records this season. This cross country post-season is going to be very exciting.
Your first race back since Mt. SAC was last weekend at CIF Southern Section Finals. Why did you not race for that long?
Last year, I peaked a little too early and was tired by end of the season. This year, since my team is so deep and good enough to move onto CIF Finals without me, the coaches decided that I should take those two weeks off and get some quality training in preparing me for the postseason.
Overall, why have you decided to race less this season?
The coaching staff looked at last year’s results and the team, overall, was tired at the end of the long cross country season. So, this year they decided to back-off on the racing schedule so that the team peaks at the right time and has fresh legs for the postseason. The plan seems to be working because the team looks great.
What was your goal last weekend and what is your goal for California State Champs tomorrow?
My individual goal was to win my race and run smartly, but more importantly, to help the team win our 3rd CIF title. At the beginning of the year, the team goal was to win the CIF State Title. My personal goal is to break the junior record at Woodward Park during the State meet.
What is your goal for your Footlocker West Regional and Footlocker Nationals?
I don’t know if I’ll be running at Footlocker yet, it depends on how the team does at state and if we qualify for NXN. If I participate in Footlocker, my goal is to qualify for nationals and race to the best of my abilities against some of the other best runners in the nation. Running at Mt. SAC for Footlocker West Regional would be an advantage for me and running Footlocker Nationals in San Diego so close to home would be great.
What is essential for you to do to obtain these goals?
Continue to be injury free, believe in the training the coaches have had all season, run a smart tactical race, cover any moves, and be willing to endure more pain when it matters.
How do you diagnose your team, Brea Olinda’s season?
Brea Olinda has run most of the year without our fifth scorer (Chris Dedio) so the team hasn’t run to our complete abilities. The team is peaking at the right time. In fact, the top five runners all had PRs at Mt. SAC except for me to win the CIF title. The team is healthy, fresh and ready to compete for the state title.
As Brea Olinda appears to be peaking at the right time, what are your plans for National competitions? Would you go to NXN if your team makes it or will you still go to Footlocker West Regional that weekend to qualify for Footlockers?
Cross country is a team sport and if the team qualifies for NXN, it would be a great achievement. The team has been training extremely hard and it would be an honor to represent California at the national level. The team has been really focused on the State meet and we have not talked about running after the state meet. It is unfortunate that Footlocker West and NXN are on the same date.
What feelings are elicited when you think of toeing the line with the best in the nation and having the opportunity to find out who truly is the fastest?
Every runner that makes it to nationals has put in hard work and a ton of dedication into achieving their goals for the season. I know going into whatever national race I compete in, that everyone is going to put 100% of their energy into this last big race. I’m hoping to be at one of the national races and I’m excited to represent my State or Region. These opportunities don’t come along very often, so I expect to do my best and compete against these great athletes.
How have you matured as a runner throughout your years running?
I’ve been fortunate to have raced in many junior USATF races leading up to high school. This provided valuable experience running at the national level at a very young age. Also, I’ve learned different ways on how to race whether to take the lead from the beginning or to be patient and wait for opportunities later in races.
There is something special and unique going on with California cross country. Share with us what it is like being from and running in one of the best running states in the nation.
Running in California is different than any other state in the nation. There is almost not a day where the weather is cold or rainy so we always train outdoors. For most of the season the temperature is over 80 degrees and the conditions are perfect for training. Also, most California runners go into every race wanting to run as fast as they can and to hold nothing back. The number of schools and runners make each of the meets a lot of fun and competitive and the amount of talent is tremendous. Since I’m from the Southern Section, we also have additional races to qualify for CIF races and the State Championships. California runners can’t do both NXN and Footlocker nationals because of the schedule conflicts.
Two thumbs up post early season 3 mile win (14:06) at the Woodbridge Classic
You have some quick track PRs as well. What are they? Do you enjoy racing on the track or cross country more?
I set the mile record for 16 year olds at Brooks PR by running 4:06 and my 3200m time was set at Arcadia Invitational (8:56). I enjoy running both cross country and track.
A ton of the top senior athletes are committing to colleges to continue their running careers. In the midst of all these college signings, being a junior, how do you respond to/does it encourage you knowing you still have another year and a half of high school running left and are doing as well as you are?
I’m fortunate to run for a coach that believes in medium weekly mileage. Coach Mattern emphasizes quality miles over quantity but without giving up our base. Also, the coaching staff cares about our health and the training program reduces the number of injuries. Being successful without having to run huge miles every week is very encouraging and important. It says I have room to grow in my senior year and throughout college. I look forward to track season and the entire college process in my senior year.
Can you share some goals for your track season?
For track, my goal is to break the 4:00 barrier in the 1600 and mile. Also, to run 8:45 or better for the 3200m.
What is your top running moment in your life so far and why?
My top running moment so far has to be Brooks PR because I lost my spikes right before the race and spent 30 minutes looking for them. I got no strides in, stretching, and a short warm up in and I still ran a PR in the Mile.
Does your team, Brea Olinda, have any fun traditions?
Every other day, a teammate shares around a bracelet called “The Love” which is to point out a great workout or training session another runner had. It motivates the runner to keep up the good work and also builds confidence in the younger guys that are just beginning the sport and helps build a better and closer team.
What are some other things you enjoy doing outside of running? Give us a little insight into the life of Austin Tamagno away from the XC course and track.
I love playing any type of sport outside of running, especially basketball. I’m a BIG Lakers and Dodgers fan. I love hanging out with friends and going to the beach.
Describe your favorite pre-race meal in detail.
My favorite pre- race meal is a PB&J sandwich with a protein bar. If my race is in the morning I tend not to eat anything before the race and bring food for afterwards. In the days leading up to races, I love to eat eggs and brown rice.
Who is the biggest inspiration for you in the sport, why?
My biggest inspiration are my parents and coaches because they motivate me to be the best person and runner. I wouldn’t be the runner I am without their support and encouragement each and every day. My parents have sacrificed many hours and driven many miles over the years to support my running.
