Detroit hurdler, Ryan Byrne, takes time out for a Q&A session with the Horizon League

Oct. 27, 2005

Why did you decide to attend UDM?
UDM has a reputable engineering program, as it is integrated with a cooperative education experience. In attending UDM, I would be able to excel in both athletics and my desired field of study- mechanical engineering.

Being from Canada, what was the biggest adjustment you had to make coming to the U.S. to run track?

Here in the US, I am given the opportunity to compete in larger track and field meets with outstanding competition, on a regular basis. The biggest adjustment in these meets is having unknown competition. There are a lot of great athletes, more than I can keep tabs on. While in Canada, for any particular race, I knew my competitors and who would be my strongest competition.

What do you like best about being a part of UDM's track team?
The close friendships I have developed with my teammates, especially my hurdle crew; and, knowing that being a part of UDM's track team goes far beyond the track.

After winning the bronze medal at the Canadian Nationals this past summer, what are some of your goals you hope to accomplish from here?
Aside from staying healthy, I want to reach my full potential as a hurdler. Ultimately, I want to attain the highest level of athletics in the NCAA. I would also like to lead our UDM team to a Horizon League championship.

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment throughout your collegiate career on the field and in the classroom?

Becoming the first male UDM student athlete to achieve USTFCCCA's All-Academic honors and setting the HL record in the 400mH.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge you have faced thus far in your collegiate career?
I have had the hardest time trying to explain to my some of my American teammates the proper use of the slang term `eh'. Also, balancing track with school has also been a major issue. They both require a lot of time and energy. Because I am so busy, it is challenging to get home and visit my family.

What drew you to study engineering and what are your career plans after graduation?

I was good in math and science in high school and design sounded appealing to me. Hopefully I will have an engineering job lined up when I graduate. Presently, I am debating on going to graduate school upon graduation - nothing is definite. I have a couple of years to decide though eh?



What do you look forward to most this upcoming track and field season?
I am always looking forward to improving my personal performance, but I am especially excited about our 4 x 400 relay this year. We placed second last year at HL indoor and outdoor to UWM. We have a stronger team this year, so hopefully we can get the win this season.

Explain the worst tumble over a hurdle that you have ever experienced.
I have only fallen once and it happened this past summer- and I fell hard. It was the finals for the 400mH at the Canada Summer Games in Regina, Saskatchewan. I was on my way to the 10^th (last) hurdle in second place, and I came up to close on the hurdle. I crashed and rolled a couple of times. Luckily, the photographers at the event got some great pictures of the fall for me - so I will never forget it.