The More You Know: Brandon Cooley

Hawk Talk Monthly — October 2018 | Hawkeye Fan Shop — A Black & Gold Store | 24 Hawkeyes to Watch 2017-18

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa junior Brandon Cooley runs on the cross country team and as a distance runner for the track and field team. During his sophomore year, he set personal best times in the 3,000 meters (8:31.55) during outdoor track season, and 8,000 meters (25:19.3) and 10,000 meters (30:29.32, cross country) during cross country.

The Bettendorf, Iowa native is majoring in biology and was named to the Dean’s List his freshman and sophomore years. He also earned academic All-Big Ten during his sophomore year, twice.

 

What are you most excited for this year?
“Aside from the obvious answer of Hawkeye football season, I am very excited to compete in the championship season of both cross country and track.”  

What is your favorite memory as a Hawkeye?
“Watching Josh Jackson intercept that pass with one hand when Iowa stomped Ohio State.” 

What is your best advice for the freshmen?
“Sleep is key to ultimate success, even beyond athletics. If you master a sleep schedule, you will master a life schedule without even thinking about it.”  

What is the best advice you’ve ever received from a coach?
“The best advice I have received from a coach was definitely from our head coach Randy Hasenbank. Every day we get advice, but last year in cross country just before the championship season, Coach Hasenbank told us, ‘to take the next step toward success, we need to all quit settling for average. To be great, one has to be fed up with being mediocre, and strive for excellence.'”

If not cross country and track & field, what sport would you play?
“I would probably choose basketball. Something tells me that my dominance in pickup games at the Rec isn’t a fluke.”

Who is your favorite professional athlete?
“My favorite pro athlete is easily Vince Carter. Even at the dinosaur age he is, he can still dunk like he’s in the dunk contest back in the glory days.”  

Do you have any pre-meet rituals?
“Music is by far the most influential part of my pre-meet rituals. While I’m doing my stretches, I have to be blasting tunes that will get me pumped up.”  

When you’re not practicing, what is your favorite thing to do?
“I really enjoy taking it easy by relaxing and reading a book. Also, I’m big into naps when I’m not practicing, so it would be a crime if I didn’t put that for this question.”  

If you could choose a super power, what would you choose?
“I would say double jump. Wouldn’t that be amazing to jump and then jump again while building off the first jump? I would be a parkour king.”  

Who would play you in a movie?
“Probably, Howie from ‘The Benchwarmers’ because when my hair grows out too long it begins to look like his bowl cut.”

How do you feel about pineapple on pizza?
“Absolutely put it on a pizza. You’ve basically got all of the food groups in one food item after that.” 

Where’s your favorite spot on campus?
“The Medical Sciences Library on the west side of campus by Carver College of Medicine is an ideal spot for quiet studying and being surrounded by others who are studying. It’s a great atmosphere. Plus, they give you free coffee during finals week.”  

Who would you choose to be a part of your Family Feud team?
“All the members of Led Zeppelin because they’ll know all those dumb questions. They’ve been around the block once or twice.” 

What is your favorite meal?
“Salmon with spinach and some kind of rice or bread. Also, burritos from bread garden have to be an extremely close second.”  
 

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