Dillon Hodge from Pedro Menendez HS committed early in the season to join the South Alabama Jaguar's distance squad for the 2011-2012 season.  With notable sub 17 wins at the Ponte Vedra XC Invitational and the Menendez Invitational so far this season, Dillon's biggest test will be at this weekend's Bronco Classic at Middleburg High School where he and his team will face other harriers from the St John's Conference.  I shared an email with Dillon as he prepares for the race this weekend.

DistancePreps:  Dillon, congratulations on your commitment to South Alabama.  Have you been following the team and are you ready to make an impact in the
Sun Belt Conference next year?

Dillon:  Yes, they have a new coach (Barbee) and a very young team with a lot
of freshman.  It's a Conference that I fit well in and can make an impact
early.

DistancePreps:  Can you tell us how the training has been going and what an
average week entails at this point in the season?

Dillon:  I had a toe injury that delayed my training until the first week in
August. It took a few weeks to get going and now my running is coming
around with my long runs up to over an hour now, along with some hills
and speed work.  I run about 40mpw along with a couple of hard
days (tempos and fartleks), two easy days, two long runs and off on
Sunday. Not there yet, but getting stronger each week.

DistancePreps:  Mendendez as a whole doesn't travel a lot or compete in very big meets.  Are you concerned this will hamper your preparation for the
championship season ahead?

Dillon:  Not at all.  We have a new coach from Missouri (Bryan Patterson) and he
is getting adjusted to the area we run in.  Menendez was in 3A last year
and now we are in 2A.  I think the time off has actually helped me.  I'll
be ready.

DistancePreps:  You have a big showdown this weekend with Mac Reynolds amongst  others.  Are you happy with your preparation so far and looking forward
to Saturday's meet?

Dillon:  Yes, I think I'm beginning to get back to where I was and even
better.  As for running against Mac, David Drum, Leo, and Bishop Kenny's team,
it will be a tough race and you should see a few sub 16's chasing Mac.