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Conversations with a Ram: Stephen Hosier

As the only member of Ryerson’s track and field team, most people have probably never heard of Stephen Hosier. Charles Vanegas sat down with “the lone Ram” to ask him what it’s like to be Ryerson’s only track and field runner

You’re a film student – are you keeping up with TIFF this year?

Yeah, I’m seeing “Neil Young Journeys” on Monday. I went to a Francis Ford Coppola interview session on Sunday. It was awesome – I’m glad I went. I brought my Godfather DVD but he didn’t sign it.

Wait, he actually said “no?”

I was pretty close; he could’ve easily signed it. Security was trying to push people back, but I was standing right in the elevator – holding the door open – and he just waved and said sorry.

It’s a Friday night. What is Stephen Hosier doing?

Staying hydrated. (laughs)

Describe your musical tastes.

The Beatles. I like the Beatles. Best band ever. My family owns a rock and roll museum in Neil Young’s hometown, so he’s definitely up there too. I walked past Drake last year and didn’t know it was Drake, so I definitely listen to the older stuff a lot more than the new.

If you weren’t running, what sport would you play at Ryerson?

I just found out there was a Quidditch team, so definitely that.

Who is your favourite Ryerson athlete to watch?

Bjorn Michaelsen, from the (men’s) basketball team, just because he was my roommate. He’s a cool guy, great accent. I didn’t get to see him much last season because he got injured. But he did a lot of training this summer so I’m expecting big things.

As the only member of the cross-country team, is one really the loneliest number?

To be honest, I don’t really mind being the only runner. It’s kind of cool. I’m not used to having a team. In high school, there were other runners, but I was usually the only distance runner… so I’m used to it.

What is it like to balance school and running?
It’s doable, but the film program is pretty time-consuming. Some weekends I’ll have to decide whether to go to a race or film, so that’s a bit of a conflict. But I’m still able to train.

What’s your diet like?

I eat whatever; I’m not really concerned with my diet. I probably should be. I lived in rez last year, and I definitely took advantage of the caf. Mealtimes were just whenever – I’d get something at 11 because it was open. This year, I’m going to try to eat a little healthier.

Last year, you placed 12th at the OUA (being named a 2nd-team all-star), and 20th at the CIS championships. How would you grade your first year’s performance?

It was an okay performance based on how much I trained, my sleep patterns and diet. Living in rez, it was tough to live a runner’s lifestyle. I did okay, but I can certainly do better. Now I’m living with two guys from U of T track and field, and with more training and better eating, I should be able to do better.

What’s the most difficult part of a long distance race?

It’s not just a 10 second sprint – the 3k, it’s an 8 minute-something race, and you’re all packed in there and everyone wants it pretty bad. To make it to the front and stay ahead of the pack is pretty difficult. Cross-country’s even more difficult because you have hills, but really it’s about staying ahead of the pack.

You were injured during the track and field season. What happened?

I raced a couple of times but my hip flexors were all messed up. There are a few things to work out before each season – often it’s my hip flexors. It has been (a recurring injury) for awhile now… Last season I hadn’t been staying in shape over the winter, and once I started training, my hips were just really sore. I was having a hard time at practice so I didn’t end up doing it.

Your best race on the track is the 3000m. The winning time at the CIS championships was 8:10.00. If you‘re at 100 per cent, how close are you to making that time?
If I was in great shape, was ready to go and had a good race, I think I should be able to run an 8:10. But it would be tough, very tough.

So by the end of your university career, you expect to be competing at an elite level in the CIS?

Yeah, I will be. If I just stay consistent with training, and quit being lazy (laughs) and actually get myself into shape, then I can be up there. I definitely think by third or fourth year, I can be competing for gold in the 3k.

What the most amazing thing that’s happened to you in your running career?

In 2009, at the World Youth Championships in Italy. Representing Canada was awesome.

What is your dream?

To become a director while still running – hopefully make it to another world championship.


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