East County Athlete of the Week: Collin Dillingham

Out-of-Door Academy senior Collin Dillingham is the only returning runner from last year’s 4x400 relay team that set the school record at the state championships with a time of 3:28.49.

Dillingham has kept that success going this year. He helped the 4x400 relay team run a 3:39.40 at the Ram Invite at Riverview High on March 13, which has them ranked as the 14th-best time in 1A.

He also competes in the 800-meter run (ranked 18th in 1A with a 2:01.65) and the 1600-meter run (28th in 1A with a 4:41.59).

When and why did you get into running?

I got into running in sixth grade. It was always something that my dad did, so I kind of started doing a couple of runs with him in elementary school and decided to try it out. I fell in love with the team aspect of it. People tend to think it’s more of an individual sport, but I think you really bond with the guys, especially when you’re going through a lot of miles.

What has gone right for your team this season?

I think it all started by having a strong cross country season, then having a strong offseason and preparing and putting in the mileage. We do a winter running club, so when you get in the base mileage, you’re able to handle the workouts early in the season. I think that’s been a big thing, and making sure we hit the weight room as well.

What is your most memorable moment in track?

Last season setting the 4x4 school record at states. The school record was really cool, but what made it really special was three of the four members were seniors. That was their last at ODA. I was close with them and it was special to be a part of that.

How are you keeping that success going this year?

It’s funny because a lot of kids don’t want to run (the 4x400 relay). If you’ve run one or two other events beforehand, people get tired. It’s always at the end and very late. Depending on the size of the meet, it could be 10 p.m. or 10:30 p.m. you’re running. I love to run with the team at night. Continuing that spirit makes the sport fun, and that’s what I try to do. 

What is your favorite meal?

The night-before pasta. My favorite is angel hair pasta with a really good marinara sauce. I like having the chunky tomatoes in it. It gives a little burst of freshness. Sometimes I like it with meat sauce, and always with a bunch of parmesan cheese on top. 

What is your favorite TV show or movie?

I’ve always loved The Dark Knight. It’s enthralling. It’s a great story and it gives insights into society.

Do you have any go-to warm-up songs?

I’ve done the ‘Rocky’ theme song before, but sometimes I just try to be in the moment and visualize the race and be present.

If you’re not running, what are you doing?

I go to the beach, I hang out with my friends, I go to the movies. We like to travel some. My favorite trip was a Europe trip we did a couple of years ago when we went to Italy and Germany.

What’s been your most humbling moment in running?

Probably back in middle school. Our school is pretty small, so we have a small team. Early on, they were throwing me into a lot of high school meets and when you run middle school meets you have a different perspective. You think ‘Alright, I’m pretty fast, I could compete.’ I remember that first high school meet, I was used to being toward the front in middle school and then I was getting smoked. I remember that and thinking, ‘Oh, I’m not as good as I thought I was.’

Who is your favorite runner?

Conner Mantz is cool. He set the American half marathon record. I’ve followed his career throughout college and I love his mentality. You can see on his face he’s struggling, and he grits it out and that’s always been what stands out to me is that he grinds through and puts in the work.

Finish this sentence. Collin Dillingham is…

Dedicated.