Willamette University's Nick Symmonds is a four time Division III National Champion at 800m and three times at 1500m. He has personal best times of 1:45.83 and 3:56.72. 

Can you explain how you first got starting in the sport of running:  
I really didn't like running at all in middle school but I did have a huge crush on a girl named Molly Corbari and she happened to be going out for the cross country team in 8th grade. I was more of a soccer player but thought, what better way to spend some quality time with molly than running a few miles with her every afternoon. I started to train with the guys and soon found myself in the lead of most of the XC races which were two miles I believe. I enjoyed the coaches and everyone on the team and was pretty much hooked at that point. Oh, and molly and I are still friends to this day!  
 
When did you first realize your running was some of the most elite in the country:  
I've always been the kind of person who doesn't stay content very long upon reaching a new level of success. After winning state titles I wanted national titles. After winning DIII national titles I wanted US titles. Now that I have the chance to run with the best in the country and have won my first indoor title I feel like I am just now starting to consider myself one of the most elite in the country. So, to put an exact moment on it I would have to say it was when I stepped across the finish line in 2nd place at USA outdoors last year.