"In Step" With Michael Spooner

Two-time All-SEC performer Michael Spooner.

September 29, 2010 | Cross Country

Sept. 29, 2010

By Eric Trainer, Associate Director of Media Relations

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- UT cross country senior Michael Spooner has paced the Vols in seven of his last nine races. On Friday, he will lead the Big Orange into action against several ranked foes at the Brooks Paul Short Run in Bethlehem, Pa.

The two-time All-SEC performer is coming off a third-place showing at the Commodore Classic on Sept. 18, when he led Tennessee to the team title in his season debut. He sat down in Circle Park for a few minutes this week to let utsports.com get "In Step" with him.

Spooner talks about the 2010 opener, this week's meet, personal and team goals, chemistry on the squad, his athletic family and the discipline that comes from having two members of his family with ties to the U.S. Naval Academy.