Butler runner Ava Hutchinson takes time out for a Q&A with the Horizon League

Dec. 12, 2006

Why did you decide to attend Butler University? 

Joe our coach got in touch with me by e-mail back home and offered me to come out for a year.  I got a chance to run and travel at the same time so it was a brilliant opportunity.

What is the best aspect of being a part of Butler's cross country and track and field teams?

The team spirit among the team is great here.  There isn't really any team aspect to cross country back home so it's great to be a part of that.

What do you do, both individually and as a team, to prepare right before a competition?

We often go away the night before a race as a team and stay in a hotel which is always a real good laugh and it gets everyone up for the race.  A watch of the movie "Rudy" before the race would always go down well.

What is your most memorable moment as a Butler Bulldog?

Running at nationals track in the 1500m.  I was disappointed afterwards with how it went, but I absolutely loved the trip and it made me certain I wanted to stay on in the U.S.

Being from the United Kingdom, what is the biggest difference in competition internationally and here in the United States?

The strength in depth of the competition is unbelievable in races over here.

What are your future career plans?

I'd love to become good at fiddle playing and travel the world playing gigs in bars.

What is your favorite Coach Franklin quote?

"What would Rudy do?"

If you could compete in the Olympics in any sport other than track and field what would it be?

Swimming, the atmosphere in the natatoriums looks amazing.

What's one television show you can't miss each week?

West Wing.

What is your best non-athletic talent?

Id like to say fiddle but I haven't started learning to play yet, maybe pool playing.

What is the best/worst thing about living in Indianapolis?

Best-I love downtown, it's got a great buzz.  It has so many good restaurants as well.  Worst-Without a car it's impossible to get around.  It's like living on a compound here at the university sometimes.

What is your favorite song?

"Not Ready To Make Nice" by the Dixie Chicks.

Where in the world would you like to spend a week's vacation?

Inishboffin, and island off the west coast of Ireland.

What is the one luxury item that you could not do without?

IPod

If you could be on any reality TV show, what would it be and why?

"The Amazing Race"

Who is the most impressive person you have ever met?

I never met him but Bill Clinton came to campus last semester and spoke at the university.  He spoke for an hour, and came across as an unbelievably intelligent guy.

What is your favorite food?

Shrimp

What is your favorite academic course and why?

I studied textiles (interior design) back home and absolutely loved it.

If you could have one super power, what would it be?

To be able to fly.

Who is your favorite actor/actress?

Martin Sheen (As President Bartlett in West Wing)/Susan Sarandon.

What is your dream job?

Professional fiddle player.

If you could get front row tickets to any sporting event, now or in the past, which would it be?

Seeing Matt Pinsent, Steve Redgrave, James Cracknell and Tim Foster win the rowing coxless fours at the Sydney Olympics.

What is your favorite professional sports team to watch? 

I don't follow any professional sports teams really religiously but I absolutely love watching all sports.

Where is your favorite place to go shopping?

Covent Garden, London.

What is your biggest fear?

Public speaking.

What would you do with a million dollars?

Enjoy myself and treat friends and family.

What is the best advice you ever received?

Don't waste your life worrying about things you can't change.