Robert Gary, 30, is a graduate of Evanston Township High School in Evanston, IL and The Ohio State University. Robert is the head cross- country and assistant track and field coach at OSU. Rob won the Illinois State 2 mile and was second in the mile his senior year. Rob was a Big Ten Champion in the Steeplechase and broke Bob Kennedy's Big Ten 3,000 meter record with his 7:52 clocking. Rob also was an NCAA All American in cross- country, indoor track and outdoor track.

In 1996 Rob finished second in the Steeple Chase Olympic Trials and was a member of the U.S. Olympic team. Rob was a member of the 1999 and 2003 World Championships team and a 6-time World Cross Country team member. He won the 2003 US Cross Country Championships

Rob will be competing in the steeplechase at the IAAF World Track & Field Championships later this month in Paris, France.

Personal best times 1500 meter- 3:39.21 3,000 meter- 7:47 3,000 meter steeple chase - 8:19.18 5k- 13:38 8k cross country- 22:16

How did you first start running? " I played soccer since I was 5 years old. A neighbor ran 5km and 10km races all the time and I always tried to beat him. I didn't start training until I was a high school freshman when I went out for the track team. In high school I played soccer in the fall so I didn't run cross country until college."

How did you first try the steeple chase? "Ohio State's head track coach, Russ Rogers kept trying to make me try it. But, it wasn't until my junior year in college that he said 'You're running it' - and I did."

What was your best college running experience? "Most of my favorite memories were watching teammates. We had a group come in second in the distance medley relay in the Big Ten. Personally though, I'll never forget Mark Croghan coming up to me after I was 2nd in the Big Ten Cross Country Championships. Croghan was so excited - it was the first time I ran with the Big Boys."

To date what has been you most memorable race? " I would have to say the Olympic Trails in the steeple chase in 1996. Cross the finish line and seeing Mark's face was something I'll never forget. It was so exciting. I had 20 friends and family members down there (Atlanta) and it really gave me a sense of accomplishment because I know my father was laughing his ass off in haven as he had passed away that fall."

How did the 2003 USA Track & Field steeplechase go? "I thought it went well. I was very excited to make the team. However, I was a little disappointed with myself for not having lead from the gun and running faster. We were so slow the 1st 2 laps that I felt it hurt my chance to run faster and string the race out earlier. Also, the last barrier left me pretty upset. I was moving the best over the last 300m and it wasn't a function of being tired as much as taking my eyes off the barrier. And after coming to almost a complete stop, there was no way I was going to be able to recover."

What do you think it will take to make the Olympic team in the steeple chase next year? "The United States has some real great steeplers. I feel that on the world stage, it is definitely one of our top distance events. I think it will take a sub-8:20 guy to make the team and I think there will be a number of guys- along with the 3 US guys who made the Worlds team this year, you have Anthony Famagletti who was hurt a lot this year, Tom Chorney who just moved, Tim Broe if he comes back to the steeplechase, Ray Hughes who just had an off year, and a whole bunch of college guys as always. There always seems to be one college guy who sort of comes out of nowhere to make the Olympic team in the steeplechase! "

What has your training been like this year? "It has been the most consistent it has ever been. I have done a good job of incorporating some new type of background work that sets me up for the different phases of training. For example, before I began actual hurdling this year, I spent time with flexibility as well as some basic plyometrics. I tried to avoid "just jumping into things". Instead, I have been able to handle these phases better and for a longer period of time."

How have you balanced coaching the Ohio State distance runners with your personal running and racing? "It was tough in the beginning. I know that my running suffered because I feel very confident that I never cut corners with regards to coaching. As I have gotten older and become more experienced with my coaching, I have been able to ignore things I can't control and really focus on broader themes instead of addressing every single potential problem or positive aspect of the program. It also helps both me and the athletes here at Ohio State to understand that even as an elite athlete, I have the same fears, excitement, training, racing strategies as they do. I am very careful to treat each kid individually, but I may get the benefit of the doubt at times; TRUST and RESPECT are definitely two characteristics of the athlete-coach relationship here at Ohio State."

What are your goals in the World Championships? "At the beginning of the year, I always focus on 3 goals: 1. Make the World Team. 2. Make the finals at Worlds. 3. Run a sub-8:15.

Ohio State University has had a lot of success in the steeple over the years; first with Croghan, then yourself and Ian Conner. What do you credit for this success? "I can't speak for the other two guys, but I obviously feel like Ohio State is a special place. And more importantly, there are a lot of special people here. I like to think that I would've been successful anywhere I went, but I am positive that I wouldn't have accomplished some of the things that I have done, in both coaching and my own running career, if I had not come into contact with these special people."

RUNOHIO and its readers would like to wish Robert the best of luck at the Worlds and with his running and coaching - Good Luck!!