University of Houston Athletics
Theresa Fuqua Chat Wrap
9/3/2002 12:00:00 AM | Cross Country
Sept. 9, 2002
Victor (Harlem): Theresa, does it bother you that some professionals like Jen Capriati don't know the impact of Title IX and how it's helped female college athletes like yourself?
Theresa Fuqua: I began playing sports at the age of 11 when I played little league baseball. I continued competing in sports through college and post collegiately. Every opportunity in my life has been a result of Title IX. I am a product of Title IX. The thing that I am concerned with Title IX today are the cutbacks in men's Olympic sports.
Tom: Coach, how difficult is it to coach both the men's and women's teams? Do you have to take a different approach with the different teams?
Theresa Fuqua: In terms of physiology and biomechanics, there is very little, if any, difference between coaching the men and women athletes. I use the same meathods and approach in coaching both teams. The difficulty is that we don't train on campus so I have transport athletes to different parks in the area for training sessions. Fortunately, I have graduate assistants to help with that.
John: How does your experience as a competitive runner help you as a coach?
Theresa Fuqua: Having been a competitive runner, it gives me a level of expertise that I can translate to any of the athletes I coach. But, most importantly, having competed at the University of Houston, I can relate to what these collegiate athletes are going through when they race.
Jim: What are the teams's goals this season?
Theresa Fuqua: As with any season, our teams want to compete for a Conference championship, and qualify for the NCAA Championships at the South Central Regional meet.
Spring: How do you plan on building the men's distance program to a top ranked program.
Theresa Fuqua: We need to recruit runners who have the capability of making an immediate impact. At the same time, our returning runners have to continue improving so that our performances at championship meets are enhanced.
braylon-missouri city: coach, what is your outlook for the men's and women's team this year, and what difference will there be for recruiting men distance runners compared to women.
Theresa Fuqua: Our men's team has Mike Olague returning after sitting out last season as a redshirt. They also have three runners returning from last year's team. The women's team has it top five runners back this season. We have added three freshmen on both teams who have the ability to help improve our chances at the Conference USA and NCAA Regional meets.
As far as recruiting, there are no differences. We want to get the best athletes available.
Sandra (Crosby): I've noticed you have some girls from Ohio on your team. What is the connection?
Theresa Fuqua: I graduated from Catholic Central High School in Springfield, Ohio. Two of the three Ohioans are from Springfield. I have a lot of coaching connections there and will continue recruiting in my home state.
Susan (Houston): I am a cross-country runner. What training tips do you have for running in the Texas climate? I am also looking forward to a marathon in a few months.
Theresa Fuqua: The most important thing is being hydrated and prepared for the hot and humid climate. You also have to focus on the long run.
kenneth: is gary skinner from macarthur running this year?
Theresa Fuqua: No. He is not competing any longer. He is a current UH student.
Scott: What would your advise be to someone trying to build up a high school cross country team? We are at a very small school, so we don't have a lot of runners, and some of them do both soccer and CC.Plus, so many of these kids seem to be so foreign to the concept of hard work!!
Theresa Fuqua: When I was coaching at Episcopal High School, I went after the students who were not competing in other sports to help build up the number of athletes. In numbers, you will find some quality if you train them well. In small schools, you have to share the athletes because the best athletes are going to participate in more than one sport.
Marcus \houston: how do you think the men's team looks this year? They have Olague Nat'l qualifier), a controversial Banes(1 hit at Texas Relays), the freshmen hit Figeroa (good state meet), and untouched talent Brent Henson (2A runner)?
Theresa Fuqua: I think that men's distance at the University of Houston is a well kept secret. There is talent, dedication and committment to show what this team can do.
Robert (Missouri City): I see that you have some local newcomers on the men's squad. What do you expect from them this year?
Theresa Fuqua: We have local newcomers on both squads. Sesar Figueroa was a state qualifier, MaurilioSanchez and Brent Hensen have a lot of talent and should help us this year.
Autumn Tawater was a state qualifier in the two-mile run. Shawna Florida and Katie Ryan also ran on Klein's top-ranked cross country team in the state of Texas. They will contribute to our team effort.
bob: Who is better in the distance running men or women?
Theresa Fuqua: Men, obviously, have the capacity to run faster. But in terms of competitiveness, it is an individual difference, not based on gender.
