Feb. 5, 2013
Jeff Mettler, a senior distance runner at South Dakota, is the subject of this week's South Dakota Spotlight. Mettler placed first in the 5,000-meters at the Frank Sevigne-Husker Invitational on Feb. 1, and his time in the event (14:08.74) is currently first in the Summit League and the 10th-fastest in the country.
Hometown: Eureka, S.D.
High school: Eureka HS
Why USD?
I was actually looking at USD for academics, but I couldn't imagine not running competitively anymore, so when Coach Fitz approached me to run here I jumped at the opportunity.
Favorite USD memory?
Watching the 4x400m relay last year at the Outdoor Conference Meet was super exciting. The team standings came down to the last race, and because our team won, we placed 2nd overall at the meet.
Best thing about being a distance runner?
The hours spent running with my teammates.
Super power you'd love to have?
I greatly dislike long drives, so to be able to transport myself instantly from one place to another would be fantastic.
Best class you've taken at USD and why?
I really enjoyed World Religions with Steve Miller. He's such a dynamic speaker, and I learned so much throughout the semester.
Top travel destination?
I have relatives who live in the Denver area, and I love the atmosphere there.
Favorite athlete?
Emil Zátopek. He was a Czech distance runner who won three gold medals at the 1952 Olympics. That would be impressive in itself, but on top of that he was just a genuinely good person.
Goal for the indoor season?
USD is hosting the indoor conference meet in the Dome, so it would be really cool for us to win a conference championship on our home track.
Favorite pre-meet meal?
Pasta
Concert you'd love to go to?
Mumford & Sons
Bucket list
I always wanted to climb Mt. Everest. However, I also hate being cold, so that may create an issue.
