As part of the lead up to the 107th NYRR Millrose Games, ArmoryTrack.com will be highlighting a number of student-athletes who have qualified for the New Balance High School Mile. The New Balance High School Mile has long been a staple at the NYRR Millrose Games, with past winners including sub-four minute miler Kyle Merber and 2013 IAAF World Championships qualifier Cory McGee. Today's spotlight is on Steve Booker.
Steve Booker en route to finishing 12th at the Manhattan Cross Country Invitational. Photo/John Nepolitan
Steve Booker
Senior, Bethlehem Central High School
Delmar, NY
Fastest Mile: 4:19.06
ArmoryTrack.com: What's your greatest running achievement?
Steve Booker: I think my greatest running achievement is breaking the school record for both the 1600 and 3200 during outdoor track last spring.
ArmoryTrack.com: Best piece of advice someone's ever given you?
Steve Booker: Running wise, that trusting your training and knowing what you're capable of on race day is imperative for success.
ArmoryTrack.com: What are three keys to your running success?
Steve Booker: Mindset, consistency, and teammates.
ArmoryTrack.com: Do you have any pre-race traditions or superstitions?
Steve Booker: I wear the same jacket, pants, shirt, and shorts over my uniform on race day, and the same dinner the night before and breakfast the day of.
ArmoryTrack.com: Who is your favorite athlete?
Steve Booker: David Rudisha. He's at the absolute top level for what he does, but also extremely humble. A great combo.
ArmoryTrack.com: Favorite Pre-Race Meal?
Steve Booker: Pasta for dinner the night before, bagel and granola bar for breakfast the day of.
ArmoryTrack.com: If you could go on a run with anyone, past or present, who would it be with?
Steve Booker: My teammates. They're the best group of guys to train with, and I couldn't be luckier to get to run with them everyday.
ArmoryTrack.com: What are your favorite hobbies?
Steve Booker: I love outdoors things such as boating and camping, as well as playing various other sports. Nothing beats a good game of ping-pong.
ArmoryTrack.com: Favorite Song?
Steve Booker: Shashkin by Omar Faruk Tekbilek. Our team found this song by chance on Pandora at an early league meet this year and its been the pre-race song of choice ever since.
ArmoryTrack.com: Favorite place to run?
Steve Booker: The Vic at Paul Smiths College in the Adirondacks
ArmoryTrack.com: If you could be any animal, what would you be?
Steve Booker: I'd be the superb bird of paradise. You've probably never heard of it and are wondering why, but just take a look at a picture and you'll understand.
ArmoryTrack.com: Favorite Movie?
Steve Booker: The Blind Side
ArmoryTrack.com: What is your dream job?
Steve Booker: I'd like to work in something business or finance related after college.
