The Midway is featuring athletes, selected at random, from school teams for informal interviews about their sports. Mikey Skolarus is a junior on the cross country and track teams. Mikey’s responses have been lightly edited for clarity, style and length.
What’s one thing in your gear bag you can’t live without and why?
“It has to be my stretchy band that I keep in my bag that helps me warm up. Couldn’t go without it.”
Who is the one artist you have to listen to as you get ready for a game, and why?
“OsamaSon. He’s a rapper. He’s so hype.”
If you could design your own jersey, what would it look like?
“It would be all black, 100%. They just look so clean.”
What’s your favorite pregame snack?
“Probably some gummies, something sweet and sugary. I like the Haribo gummies, or the Albanese.”
What are your pregame rituals or superstitions?
“When I’m on the line, I always send up a quick prayer that everyone runs a safe and well-mannered race.”
If you could meet one professional athlete, who would it be and why?
“I’d probably choose LaMelo Ball. I just want to choose someone who’s kind of out of the sport, someone with a little flavor. Maybe Neymar.”
What is your favorite energy drink?
“White Monster is my favorite by far. It’s such a good flavor, and it’s the
right amount of caffeine for me. It tastes pretty much like a soda.”
What got you into cross country?
“Track got me into it. I want to run in college, and this is a step you have got to take to stay healthy during the offseason.”
If you had to switch into a different sport, what would it be and why?
“I would do basketball. I’m just really bad at it. I did in middle school, I was not that good though.”
What’s your favorite memory from a race or meet?
“It has to be when I was in a relay, and when we started off, I got the baton in fifth but I passed it off first or second. We ended up winning the race, and my family was there to see.”
