Q&A With Marcel Hewamudalige
9/27/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Cross Country
Sept. 27, 2005
Houston -
Rice senior Marcel Hewamudalige stamped himself as one of the top distance runners in the Western Athletic Conference last year, capturing the WAC cross country title to lead the Owls to the team trophy and adding a silver in the 10,000 and a fourth-place finish in the 5,000 at the outdoor championships.
He also qualified for the NCAA cross country championships in 2004, and was a member of Canada's IAAF World Cross Country Championship long course (12km) team in March.
The Vancouver, British Columbia product is looking forward to competing in Conference USA this season, his final go-around for the Owls.
Here's a closer look at one of the Owls' best athletes:
Q: What got you started in running?
In grade 11, Ryan Hayden convinced me to become a Kajaks track and field club member. Before this I played hockey and tennis pretty much full time. It took about 4 months of forceful convincing before I caved. I spent that fall training and hanging out with the group all the time. That year was full of some of the most memorable experiences of my life.
Q: What made you choose Rice?
I really liked Jon Warren- He's probably the best coach in the world; I really mean it. I've learned so much from him - not just about athletics, but about life in general. In addition, I was impressed with Rice's strong academic reputation.
Q: What is the most important factor in your success?
Listening to my coach and my teammates. Steve Magness and Jon Warren have had the greatest impact on my improvement in college without a doubt. I will never forget how much the two of them did for me. Coach Robinson, Ben Wiggins, Kate Gorry, and my family/friends from back home all had a lot to do with my growth and maturity in sport as well.
Q: How did it feel to represent Canada at the 2005 World XC Championships?
UNREAL. One of the greatest feelings of all time. Standing on the starting line a few feet away from the Olympic champion and world record holder (Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia)was quite something. The after party was pretty funny too.
Q: What are the main differences between the U.S. system and the
Canadian system of university athletics?
The American system is a great stepping stone towards the next level in athletics. The opportunities you get down here are incredible. You get the chance to race such amazing athletes. In Canada-you can succeed for sure. Two of my friends, Ryan Mackenzie and Reid Coolsaet have both become world class runners and are products of the Canadian University system. The major discrepancy lies in funding between the two systems.
Q: Who is your biggest running "hero"?
I'd probably say my best friends from back home. Those guys can take more
pain than anyone I know. I think about them every time I get tired in a workout or race. They really inspire me.... and they help keep it all pretty light and fun.
Q: What is the best place you have ever raced (i.e. most scenic, best
course, etc.)?
Vancouver, British Columbia - Jericho Beach. Greatest place in the world man.
Q: What's the worst pronunciation of your last name you have heard at a
meet?
Hahaha, this one goes to Gary Reed (Canadian 800 record holder). He left a message on my voicemail last night pronouncing it as: Heee wuuu maaaaa kaaa leeeek eeee. I know it wasn't at a meet, but it was pretty funny.
Q: Sri Lanka has had success in other sports, but not much in distance
running. Why do you think that has been a weak point? (I know, it's a
bizarre question...!)
Im not really sure - I know cricket is the sport to play over there. I think the nation receives a lot of international attention as a result of their success in the sport. I guess the kids have more incentive to pick up a bat instead of going out for an 11 miler.
Q: What has been your favorite Rice class?
Corporation Finance was pretty cool. I learned a fair bit in that class. But I promise to run from the corporate world for as long as I can, jokes. I know I'll end up working for some firm in the future, but not until I've given myself the best possible opportunity to reach my potential in this sport.
Players Mentioned
