Getting To Know Luke Metcalf

This edition of "Getting to Know" features freshman distance runner Luke Metcalf, who is majoring in Human Biology here at USC. Outside of the track, Metcalf likes going to different places to run, especially the beach.

Q: What events will you be running in the spring?

L.M.: I will probably be running mid distance: the 800m and the 1500m. That is my sweet spot.

Q: Why did you choose to come to USC?

L.M.: I chose to come here because I really like the guys on the team. I came here and visited, and they were really nice. They're still nice to me right now, and I've been enjoying hanging out with them, training with them. Also, the school here is really good. I got into the Freshman Science Honors program, so I'm doing that with Dornsife, and so that's been good so far. My mom also came here, so it was just like kind of continuing the family legacy.

Q: You are from La Canada, which isn't too far from here? Was the proximity to home another reason why you chose to come here?

L.M.: It's nice being able to go home and see family, if I ever were to get homesick. I'm kind of trying to stay a little bit distant so I can keep the true college experience.

Q: What is your favorite part about being a student-athlete here?

L.M.: I think it's the perks that we get. Being able to come to Little Galen and get the food, having the tutors to help out, and having all this stuff that, a regular student wouldn't have, that I can use to help are all really nice perks.

Q: What made you start competing in distance events to begin with?

L.M.: When I was around six or seven, my parents put me into track and cross country to get a feel for the sport, try it out. I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed running, even though it's kind of painful at times.

Q: Did you do any other events or sports in high school?

L.M.: Yes, I played volleyball for a brief time. My parents were both volleyball players, so I just kind of tested that out a little bit, and I liked it. I like beach volleyball as well. And then in track, I've done 400m, I've done long jump at a time. I've done high jump, I kind of have gone a little bit all over the place.

Q: Do you have any personal goals or milestones that you'd like to achieve, either on the track or in school?

L.M.: I'd like to break 1:50 at least in the 800m this year, and then go at least 3:55 in the 1500m. I think that's very possible. Also, I want to travel to a few indoor meets and some outdoor meets with the team. I think that'd be really fun. I also want to keep my grades up. I'd like to get a 4.0 both semesters, and I'm on track to do that right now, so that's looking good.

Q: I know you mentioned that you are part of the FSH here at USC. What exactly do you major in here?

L.M.: I am majoring in Human Biology. I'm not sure what I want to do. Right now, I am pre-med, so maybe something in that field, but I'm still open to new things.

Q: Why did you choose that major?

L.M.: I've always liked the sciences and human biology and it seemed like a spot where I can branch off a lot from. I just wanted to keep it a little bit open for now.

Q: What do you see yourself doing post-graduation?

L.M.: Maybe going to med school. If I end up doing that, maybe I could end up running professionally, if I'm given that opportunity. I'd be happy to do that, too.

Q: Do you have any go to spots here in L.A. or SoCal?

L.M.: I love going to Manhattan Beach. That's probably one of my favorite spots. I love going to different places to run. I love going to Griffith Park and little niche spots that are kind of fun to just go for a day trip.

Q: Who is your idol, either in sports or personally?

L.M.: My mom. She's a really hard worker, and she's worked really hard to get me to where I am today. I look up to her and her work ethic.

Q: What type of music do you like listening to?

L.M.: I like rap music. I listened to Lil Uzi Vert, Juice WRLD, mainly all those 2017 SoundCloud rappers. That's kind of my thing. But I'm open to all different music tastes. I like SZA and those types of people as well.

Q: Is there another hobby that you'd like to try and start?

L.M.: I like playing disc golf with my brother. I have an older brother and a younger brother. They both like to play disc golf, but it's my older brother that's really into the sport. He watches all the professional disc golfers and he'll take me out to different courses. We'll play in the summer. That's something we love to do. It's a good bonding experience.

Q: If you didn't do distance events here at USC, what event would you want to do?

L.M.: Probably the 400m or long jump. I really enjoyed those when I did them.

Q: Do you have any other fun facts about yourself?

L.M.: I have chickens at my house. I raise chickens, and we had a rooster before. We would incubate the eggs, and we would hatch little baby chicks. We would raise them, and that was such a fun thing to do: naming them and watching them grow up.

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