Name: Ryan Herson
Year: Redshirt Senior
Major: Exercise & Wellness
Sport: Cross Country / Track & Field (Distance)
Hometown: Foothill Ranch, Calif.
*In 2014, he became ASU's first NCAA qualifier for the men since 2010
*Earned Pac-12 All-Academic Honorable Mention Honors in 2014
Q: What attracted you to Arizona State from California?
A. When I came out to Arizona State on a visit, I felt like it was the right fit for me. I had already been accepted and the Exercise Science program they offered was one of my top choices. I really enjoyed the time I had with the group of guys and the talent they already had on the team seemed like a group I could learn from. I fell in love with Tempe the first time I visited. It is just a great city with many social features, beautiful scenery and a lot of things to do. (Coach) Louie really made the rest easy as I felt he was the best coach fit to maximize my running potential.
Q: What is the best part about being a Sun Devil?
A: I take pride in being a Sun Devil. Being a part of a community that continues a tradition of integrity, service and championship performance. To be apart of that is something special.
Q: You're one of the longest tenured runners on the team...how would you describe your four years at ASU and with the team?
A: Man, it has been a great journey. Being able to come to ASU and get my bachelors degree while being a student athlete is unforgettable. It is always fun to see a new group each year and go through a season and see the growth of everyone. People come and go but I have made many lifelong friends. It seems like just yesterday I was a freshman and so new to college running, but here I am wishing I could go back and experience it all again. I will definitely remember my experiences on the team for the rest of my life. Sun Devil for Life.
Q: What do you feel has changed the most -- if anything -- since freshman year?
A: I have had the same approach since day one and that is to be the best I can be everyday. I have developed that from many of those before me, and now feel as I am giving that knowledge back to those around me.
Q: What's your go-to song before a race? Any pre-meet rituals?
A: My go to song would have to be "Homecoming" by Kanye West. I have always had a few pre-meet rituals in doing the same warm-ups before races as I do in workouts, listening to my playlist "Gameday", and doing some breathing exercises to keep me relaxed.
Q: What were your goals coming into ASU and have you reached those goals?
A: My goals have changed over the years and my time is not done yet, but I have reach some goals and still have some that I am reaching for.
Q: If you could play another sport, what would you play?
A: Lacrosse
Q: Breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert...and what would you eat at that meal?
A: I am a big foodie. So I am just going to give you one for each. For breakfast, I would have to say my mom's french toast -- it is simply unbeatable. For lunch, I am a huge fan of the grilled cheese. Dinner is a tough choice but I would just say Italian food in general with pasta and pizza. For dessert, I am a cheesecake fan of any kind.
Bonus answer: My food guilty pressure is chocolate covered gummy bears.
Q: Who is your favorite athlete?
A: Emmitt Smith with Kobe Bryant a close second.