Q'A with Matt Tegenkamp
August 23, 2005 | Men's Track & Field
Matt Tegenkamp wrapped up his UW track and cross country career in June as a seven-time All-American in track, setting a UW record for most All-America honors in a career. Following the completion of his collegiate eligibility, the Lee's Summit, Mo., native spent the summer competing in Europe.
Tegenkamp began his post-collegiate career by setting a UW record in the 5000 meters at the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Carson, Calif., in late June. Tegenkamp ran a personal best of 13 minutes, 25.36 seconds to place sixth in the race. His time improved upon his own school record of 13:30.90 set in 2004.
Following the USATF Championships, Tegenkamp left for Europe where he competed in three meets. At the Norrtelje Galan in Sweden on July 11, he won the 1500 meters in a personal best time of 3:39.40. Tegenkamp's time was the fourth fastest ever run by a UW athlete and faster than the best time run by Coach Jerry Schumacher (3:39.46). Tegenkamp also ran the 1500 meters at the Naimette-Xhovemont in Belgium on July 20, finishing fourth in 3:43.77. On July 26, he competed at the DN Galan in Stockholm, placing eighth in the 3000 meters in 7:43.33. Tegenkamp's time set another UW record, besting the time of 7:58.35 set by Matt Downin in 1999.
Tegenkamp returned to the States in early August where he will continue to train under Schumacher. Following is a Q&A with the former Badger.
Briefly describe what you've been doing since ending your collegiate career at NCAAs in June.
I competed at NCAA's and that following week I signed with an agent. After that, my agent told me New Balance and Nike were very interested in having me as one of their athletes. I choose to go with Nike the night before I ran at U.S. Championships; it was such a relief. After U.S. Champs, I left for Europe and was over there for a month. I stayed with my UW teammate, Antony Ford, in the United Kingdom and his parents allowed me to use their place as base camp of sorts. I raced three times while over in Europe and got to travel to Sweden and Belgium. I raced really well and it was a great experience. I got back on Aug. 3 and started talking time off.
You ran a personal best/UW record in the 5000 meters at USATF. Were you expecting such a big improvement'
I definitely was expecting a new school record at the USATF meet. I had been trying to lower the record all season and finally my race came together. I was a little worried after my terrible race at NCAA champs but I put things back together and ran a great race at USATF.
What was the competition in Europe like '
The level of competition is amazing. I can't wait to get back over there because racing over in Europe makes you a much better runner. The travel was easy over there -- my agent and his assistant took care of everything for me. The meets cater to anything else you would need. I have to say it is pretty easy living over there while training and racing.
What meet did you enjoy the most while over there '
Stockholm, easily. The meet is a Super Grand Prix (Golden League is the one series bigger). The hotel was right downtown Stockholm and fans we outside asking for autographs everyday (mostly for the bigger stars but I did sign some). The stadium is the old 1912 Olympic stadium which is amazing. There were 25,000-plus fans there and they were amazing. The fans don't let you run slow. I had so much adrenaline in the race; it was awesome. After the meet was over they had a fireworks show for the fans and the athletes. It was a great experience!
What did you do in your free time while over there '
I had to kill a lot of time by reading; using the Internet; calling parents, girlfriend, and friends; visiting and meeting different athletes; saw some movies; watched TV when the channels were in English; etc.
What have you been doing since your returned to the States '
I got back Aug 3. I stayed in Madison for a couple of days then went to Winnipeg, Manitoba with my girlfriend to visit her parents. I got back on move-in day here in Madison and got into my new place. Ever since then I have just be getting settled in to the new apartment.
What is next for you'
A lot of training. The next major race that I have to get ready for is U.S. Champs for cross country in Feburary. I am sure I will do a couple of road races this fall but I have a while before I race again. I am going to stay here in Madison and Jerry is still going to be my coach. I am happy I don't have to change my surroundings it will make the training that much easier.
