Hakon Devries, a former Footlocker finalist, is one Stanford's top runners as they head into Monday's NCAA Championships in Terra Haute, Indiana.

Name and Title?

Hakon Devries, Stanford University, junior(athlete), fourth-year academically.

Why do you run?

I played a lot of different sports when I was growing up and I found that I was good at running when I did all of those. Everyone likes to do things that they are good at and I'm definitely no exception. I love the feeling and satisfaction you get when you win a race or set a huge PR.

What does "Hakon Devries" bring to the table?

Last year, at the awards banquet for cross country, I got the 110% award. That's really what I bring to the table. I don't often have bad days when I'm out there. With a limited number of meets in college, you really have to be on your game. So, I guess you could say I'm always going to give it my best and save some for my favorite part of the race, the kick.

What do you like about running?

Obviously I get fired up when I'm running really fast, either in workouts or races, but I actually kind of like tactical races better. Don't get me wrong, I don't like going out in a mile in 4:20, because I don't have the speed to win that, but I like the excitement of the pack when the race hasn't broken yet. You have butterflies and you're all anxious.

Can you give me a crazy story that's happened amongst you and your teammates?

I'm not sure how much I should let get out in the open like this. You might have to ask me personally for those.

What is your favorite pair of running shoes of all time?

My favorite pair was the Structure Triax that I wore senior year in high school. Those were tight.

What does your diet consist of?

I'm not a strict guy when it comes to diet. I eat a good breakfast every morning, a small lunch and put salad on my plate for dinner. I probably eat just like most other runners do. You know, steak once or twice a week. Fish once, chicken a couple of times. Not too much junk in between meals or after really but I have to have a dessert after dinner. No way around it. Oh yeah, I hardly drink soda.

How do you pass the time when traveling to meets?

On our team we play a lot of cards. We play this game called "CHOP" and I've played euchre some...or 31. We also bring our laptops along and that's always good for killing time with the WiFi. As far as the plane, DVDs are good. I basically never do homework on trips, it's not my style. Two winters ago, we went through a team craze of learning the Rubik's cube. I got down to 61 or 63 seconds as my best. That took up about a whole season.

Who is your favorite runner ever?

Yikes, my favorite runner ever...I guess would have to be Michael Johnson. I saw him at NCAA's in track and didn't have the courage to ask for his autograph, I'm still mad about that.

What goals do you have for your running?

That's year it's all about the team goals in cross country. As far as track is concerned, I'm going to focus more on the mile and 1,500 this spring. Qualifying for the Trials in either the 15 or the 5K is definitely my highest goal.

What motivates your to run?

My biggest motivator right now is my peers and my teammates. I never want to think that I have let my teammates down out there on the course. I really do the little things outside of running for them. The other motivator is my peers. Look at Lopez Lomong and Josh McDougal, bother NYers running amazing. And I went to the World Cross Country Championships with Galen Rupp and Stuart Eagon. I've run with those guys before and they really motivate me to get to that next level.

Why did you decide to go from one side of the country to the other after high school?

Stanford is amazing. The combination of academics and athletics is unparalleled. I'm going to leave here set up for the real world with a Stanford degree and I'm also having the time of my life in sunny California and getting to run with an amazing group of guys. How could I pass that up?