East County Athlete of the Week: 03.15.17

Andrew Dean is a junior track and field runner at Lakewood Ranch. He won the 800-meter race at the Charlotte Invitational on March 10 with a personal-best time of 2:00.16. Dean also was a part of the first-place 4x400 (3:30.31) and 4x800 (8:25.11) relay teams at the same event. 

How long have you been running track?

Well, I started running cross-country last year, and that is actually how I got into track. I played basketball my freshman and sophomore years, and I did cross-country basically to get out of basketball conditioning. It was kind of expected that all the cross-country athletes did track as well, so that is how I got into that. I guess I had a knack for it. 

What is the appeal of running to you?

I just like pushing myself. That is what I do in everything. I like how it's more of a mental sport. The only way you can get better at it is working hard. You do not have to really have any other skills for running. You just work hard, work hard, work hard.. 

What is your favorite track memory?

Last year, when we got our 4x400 relay team to states. It was a really close race. We were not expecting to make it, and we made it somehow. That is a really good memory. 

What hobbies do you have?

Not many. I would say running is my main hobby. I hang out with friends. That is the mainstream answer that everybody says, but it's true. 

Do you have a go-to vacation spot?

The only place I really vacation is South Carolina. I go to Myrtle Beach, S.C., because that is where my grandmother lives. 

Do you have a favorite subject in school?

Either history or language arts. I have never been that good at math, and science interests me but it's a lot of information to retain. History I always liked as a kid. I'd watch a bunch of history shows. Writing, I have just been good at that my entire life. I guess I like using my imagination. I am more creative than practical with math and everything. 

Do you have a favorite TV show?

My favorite TV show is The Walking Dead. 

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

My cross-county coach (Bryan Thomas) said 'Even if you are not the most talented, anything you can bring to help the team, whether it be personality or work ethic, anything, that cannot be taken for granted.' Starting out in cross-country, I definitely was not the best, and I stuck with it mostly for the social aspect. I got better from there. I guess that (quote) kind of drove me.

Finish this sentence: "Andrew Dean is..."

... Motivated. My main goal is to get some sort of athletic scholarship for track. I stopped playing basketball to focus on track. That is my main point of motivation. I'm just trying to get something from some college.