Bobbi Jo Evers, staff writer

Augsburg junior sprinter Getinat Asfaw is off to a phenomenal start in the indoor track season. Asfaw has earned a top three spot in all but one indoor meet thus far. At the team’s most recent meet, Carleton College’s Meet of the Hearts, Asfaw earned third place with a time of 2:34.52 in the 1000-meter race, a new personal best. Asfaw is not only a solo athlete but a team player, as he was a leg in the 4×400-meter relay, which earned third place with a total time of 3:33.36, along with senior sprinter Fritz Landherr, junior sprinter Bereket Wondimu, and senior Sakariya Hussien.

Not only as a writer but as a friend, I was able to chat with Asfaw about his experience this season so far and what he is hoping to achieve in the upcoming outdoor season. When asked how he felt about beating his personal record at every single meet in the indoor season, Asfaw expressed, “I feel so much more confident and happy. My body is stronger, and my mind is clearer and more focused.” Asfaw spends countless hours in the gym as well as on the track, as he runs anywhere from 35 to 45 miles a week. He explained his rigorous training regimen by saying, “I spend about 10 hours cross-training, strength-training, doing core work, activation exercises, that kind of thing. I spend around seven hours running a week.”

Not only did Asfaw get a personal record for his 1000-meter relay time, but he also clocked in the fifth-fastest time in the event in Augsburg history. At the Gopher Classic on Saturday, Feb. 4, he clocked the seventh fastest time in the 600-meter race in school history, at 1:25.00. Snagging top 10 times in Augsburg history is nothing for Asfaw, as he is reaching towards bigger and better goals for the upcoming outdoor season. Upon being asked what his future goals were, Asfaw said that he is “hoping to get new school records and help my team to score points. Also, I want to be named Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference athlete of the week at some point.”

Asfaw has a lot to look forward to as the season progresses, and with a start like this, we are all rooting for him to continue beating his personal records and winning his events along with the rest of the team. Asfaw shared some insight on what he is most looking forward to in the upcoming outdoor track season, saying, “I would have to say that actually winning races and being able to shine, I think I’m most looking forward to seeing how well our team does.” You can catch Asfaw and his teammates in the upcoming indoor and outdoor season meets. Check out the Augsburg Athletics page for more statistics and scheduling information.