ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Cole Prium

A student at Legacy Charter High School by day, a cross country competitor for Ocoee High School by late afternoon, Cole Prium has gotten his sophomore season off to a fast start. Prium, who competes for the Knights because the Eagles do not currently offer cross country, led Ocoee’s boys team at the Sept. 10 Darter Invitational, which was hosted by Apopka. Prium took third place by posting a season-best time of 17:38.4.

In the Knights’ first meet of the season on Sept. 3, Prium won the boys race with a time of 18:49.4. This strong start has helped make Prium this week’s Athlete of the Week.

Where are you from originally?

I was born in Clermont.

How did you get into running cross country?

Back in seventh grade, I had a teacher who kind of encouraged me to do running. It’s just been fun — I came out here and made some friends on the team.

What’s your goal for this season?

I’m hoping to break the school record this year and, hopefully, get to states, too.

What kind of music do you like to listen to while you train?

When I train, I usually don’t have music. Every once in a while, I’ll switch it up and have some music. (I listen to) anything, really.

How do you focus while you compete?

You’ve just got to focus on what you’re doing. You’ve just got to get the big picture. You want to know leaving that meet that you gave everything you had.

Is there a feeling you enjoy about running?

I just love the sport because it’s my own body running — nothing else. No equipment. It’s just my body versus my opponent’s (body).

Do you do any cross training to help with your running?

No, the training here I do is all I need.

What do you want to study in college?

I don’t know yet; I’m still figuring that out. But, I’m going to try and get a scholarship for cross country.

What’s your favorite school subject?

Probably science.

Do you have a preference on where you’d like to go to school for college?

I just want to go to a big state college like FSU or UF — any of those, really.

Do you have a hobby?

Not really — just hanging out with friends.

Do you have a favorite vacation spot or a place you would like to visit?

Nah — Florida’s good.

What do you like about attending Legacy Charter and then going over to compete for Ocoee’s cross country program?

I like the big schools. It’s pretty cool, because I come from Legacy, and it’s real small. But, when I come here, it’s a big program, and I like to be a part of that.

What’s your best achievement so far as a runner?

My last year’s season best was a 17:37 for 5K. 

Do you have a favorite actor or actress?

Jennifer Lawrence.

Where do you need to improve between now and your senior year to earn that scholarship you want?

Just train as hard as I can every day and not take any breaks.