By: Craig Morgan
How do you think being a Sun Devil alumnus is beneficial to this position?
Rasmussen: "As a Sun Devil alum, it gives me added relatability to the student-athletes. I can say 'I have sat where you're sitting, I have stood where you are standing, I have done what you are trying to do and was successful doing so, both academically and athletically.' I think it also adds an element of pride and passion you have for the university, the athletic department and the program that isn't as present unless you are coaching at your alma mater."
What lessons did you take and how did your perspective broaden during your time at Illinois?
Rasmussen: "Over six years at the University of Illinois, there are probably too many lessons to list, but one of the main lessons learned from my time was being consistent in everything you do. As a coach and the leader of the program, your athletes need to count on you for guidance, advice and setting a standard of excellence. They need to know that you are there for them and with them in the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. You are going to do everything within your power to help them be successful in the classroom, on the course, on the track and in life. The coaches I coached with at Illinois challenged you to always learn, grow and strive to be better. They challenged you to look at things from a different perspective and different viewpoint to help understand how and why you do what you do in your planning for your athletes."
What convinced you to return to ASU?
Rasmussen: "There was no convincing needed. When Coach Kraft called and asked me to join the staff, I jumped at the opportunity."
What did you learn coaching under Louie Quintana?
Rasmussen: "I was fortunate to learn a tremendous amount from Coach Quintana during my time coaching with him. I could talk about a lot of different things in training, relationship building, leadership and development that I learned while watching Coach Quintana lead the distance and cross country teams at ASU. The one attribute he possesses that I learned the most from was his ability to bring energy to what he did all the time. His energy is infectious and people want to be around that."
How has your ASU running career helped you in coaching, and what is your general coaching philosophy?
Rasmussen: "My running career at ASU really has helped shape who I am today. Distance running is a very challenging endeavor to do at an elite, Division I level. The lessons you learn as a cross country and distance athlete transcend much further than the four to five years you are in college. Work ethic, drive, passion, patience and humility are just a few characteristics that I was able to enhance while running at ASU. These same characteristics are still very prominent in my coaching today and will always be a large part of the foundation."
Are there particular people you would cite as major influences and if so, why?
Rasmussen: "My college coach (Walt Drenth) for sure has always been a major influence in my life since college and in my coaching career. He is a tremendous coach and person. [Track coach] Gary Winckler is another person of major influence. I only had the opportunity to work for Gary for one year at Illinois, but in that one year he helped me in so many ways as a first-time head cross country coach. The conversations we had still shape my coaching philosophy and development of athletes."
What are the strengths of the current roster, and also some areas where you need improvement?
Rasmussen: "The strengths of the current roster are a good mix of veteran leadership and youth. We need to continue to develop our depth and consistency to help us ascend back to the national level."
How would you rate the in-state talent that exists in Arizona and do you intend to make greater efforts at recruiting homegrown talent?
Rasmussen: "I went to high school in Arizona at Mountain Ridge High School in Glendale so I am always going to be biased about Arizona talent and recruiting in-state. We have to win those battles."
What is your approach to building ties with the local prep running community and what benefits do you envision coming from those ties?
Rasmussen: "Continue to be visible and invite high school coaches to campus to show them firsthand who we are and what we stand for. Being from Arizona, I have already developed some great relationships with coaches here in Arizona, but it will be just as important to continue to develop those relationships and foster new ones. As a recruiter, you hope it opens some doors to recruits in the state, but more importantly we are spokespeople for Arizona State University. The university is a sleeping giant that is starting to be heard more and more. We have tremendous leadership from Dr. Crow and Ray Anderson who are planning and doing things that other universities can only dream of."
Is it at all intimidating to be a head coach at ASU, your alma mater?
Rasmussen: "Not really. I led the Fighting Illini for six years in cross country. I am confident in my knowledge, leadership and drive to continue to elevate the cross country and distance program at Arizona State. We have a lot of work to do and it will take some time, but the support we have from our senior administrative staff is second to none. We are excited to get things going this year!
What are your expectations for Year 1 as a head coach?
Rasmussen: "My expectations this year are fairly simple: Learn, grow and strive for greatness."
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How do you think being a Sun Devil alumnus is beneficial to this position?
Rasmussen: "As a Sun Devil alum, it gives me added relatability to the student-athletes. I can say 'I have sat where you're sitting, I have stood where you are standing, I have done what you are trying to do and was successful doing so, both academically and athletically.' I think it also adds an element of pride and passion you have for the university, the athletic department and the program that isn't as present unless you are coaching at your alma mater."
What lessons did you take and how did your perspective broaden during your time at Illinois?
Rasmussen: "Over six years at the University of Illinois, there are probably too many lessons to list, but one of the main lessons learned from my time was being consistent in everything you do. As a coach and the leader of the program, your athletes need to count on you for guidance, advice and setting a standard of excellence. They need to know that you are there for them and with them in the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. You are going to do everything within your power to help them be successful in the classroom, on the course, on the track and in life. The coaches I coached with at Illinois challenged you to always learn, grow and strive to be better. They challenged you to look at things from a different perspective and different viewpoint to help understand how and why you do what you do in your planning for your athletes."
What convinced you to return to ASU?
Rasmussen: "There was no convincing needed. When Coach Kraft called and asked me to join the staff, I jumped at the opportunity."
What did you learn coaching under Louie Quintana?
Rasmussen: "I was fortunate to learn a tremendous amount from Coach Quintana during my time coaching with him. I could talk about a lot of different things in training, relationship building, leadership and development that I learned while watching Coach Quintana lead the distance and cross country teams at ASU. The one attribute he possesses that I learned the most from was his ability to bring energy to what he did all the time. His energy is infectious and people want to be around that."
How has your ASU running career helped you in coaching, and what is your general coaching philosophy?
Rasmussen: "My running career at ASU really has helped shape who I am today. Distance running is a very challenging endeavor to do at an elite, Division I level. The lessons you learn as a cross country and distance athlete transcend much further than the four to five years you are in college. Work ethic, drive, passion, patience and humility are just a few characteristics that I was able to enhance while running at ASU. These same characteristics are still very prominent in my coaching today and will always be a large part of the foundation."
Are there particular people you would cite as major influences and if so, why?
Rasmussen: "My college coach (Walt Drenth) for sure has always been a major influence in my life since college and in my coaching career. He is a tremendous coach and person. [Track coach] Gary Winckler is another person of major influence. I only had the opportunity to work for Gary for one year at Illinois, but in that one year he helped me in so many ways as a first-time head cross country coach. The conversations we had still shape my coaching philosophy and development of athletes."
What are the strengths of the current roster, and also some areas where you need improvement?
Rasmussen: "The strengths of the current roster are a good mix of veteran leadership and youth. We need to continue to develop our depth and consistency to help us ascend back to the national level."
How would you rate the in-state talent that exists in Arizona and do you intend to make greater efforts at recruiting homegrown talent?
Rasmussen: "I went to high school in Arizona at Mountain Ridge High School in Glendale so I am always going to be biased about Arizona talent and recruiting in-state. We have to win those battles."
What is your approach to building ties with the local prep running community and what benefits do you envision coming from those ties?
Rasmussen: "Continue to be visible and invite high school coaches to campus to show them firsthand who we are and what we stand for. Being from Arizona, I have already developed some great relationships with coaches here in Arizona, but it will be just as important to continue to develop those relationships and foster new ones. As a recruiter, you hope it opens some doors to recruits in the state, but more importantly we are spokespeople for Arizona State University. The university is a sleeping giant that is starting to be heard more and more. We have tremendous leadership from Dr. Crow and Ray Anderson who are planning and doing things that other universities can only dream of."
Is it at all intimidating to be a head coach at ASU, your alma mater?
Rasmussen: "Not really. I led the Fighting Illini for six years in cross country. I am confident in my knowledge, leadership and drive to continue to elevate the cross country and distance program at Arizona State. We have a lot of work to do and it will take some time, but the support we have from our senior administrative staff is second to none. We are excited to get things going this year!
What are your expectations for Year 1 as a head coach?
Rasmussen: "My expectations this year are fairly simple: Learn, grow and strive for greatness."
Follow Craig Morgan on Twitter