The Tiger: Looking back at that race in Gainesville (Pepsi Florida Relays), what was going through your mind? What clicked that gave you the opportunity to step up with that record-breaking performance?
Stephanie Buffo: Well it’s funny, because my mindset wasn’t really any different for that race than it has been for any other. When I first broke the [school] record in Charlotte, I honestly wasn’t expecting much, because it was the first race of the season. The second time [in Gainesville], I was in the race with Alyssa, and we were going up against stiffer competition. It was more competitive. I finished third, but I broke my own record. The best thing about it is it shows how much I’m progressing, which is amazing.
TT: You mention Alyssa [Kulik] running in the same race. Is it nice having a teammate competing alongside you?
SB: It’s nice having someone to run with. Some days Alyssa will be in front of me, and other days I’ll be in front of her. We push each other. She finished four seconds behind me in Gainesville, which is pretty close in steeplechase. The funny thing with Alyssa is that we were big rivals in high school. She went to Mauldin and I went to Dorman, so we were always competing against each other. Now that we’re on the same team, we train and hang out together. People even have a nickname for us: “Rock and Roll.”
TT: Steeplechase is not an event you usually hear mentioned with track. What about it interested you? Did you compete in it growing up?
SB: I actually never even tried steeplechase until I came to Clemson. I grew up playing sports: soccer, tennis, swimming, anything that worked for short people, really. I’ve been running competitively since I was seven. In high school track, I competed in the 1-mile, the 2-mile and the 800m. But when I came to Clemson, Gordon Thompson – my coach for the first two years – introduced me to it. Now my new coach [Brad Herbster] has trained me even more. His training has been much more advanced, so Alyssa and I have really improved. This time last year, my best time was 11:22, and in the Gainesville race I ran a 10:40. That’s a 40-second improvement.
TT: That’s remarkable! So what does steeplechase entail? Is it anything like the steeplechase event in horseracing?
SB: It’s very similar to that, except of course with people instead of horses. There are four immovable wooden barriers that span across three lanes on the track and there is one water jump. I love it just because it’s so different, but it tires you out a lot quicker than most people would think. In my first race, I got tired on Lap Two.
TT: There’s a water jump? Do people fall in the water in most races?
SB: We’re not supposed to because the technique teaches you not to. I haven’t fallen in, but one girl last year broke her collarbone. It can be dangerous if you do it without knowing the proper technique, but it’s fun. And besides, if you do get wet it feels good.
TT: On top of school and running, you also coach track at Daniel High School. How did you get involved in that? What drew you to coaching?
SB: Well, my major is health science and my minor is athletic leadership, which is essentially coaching. I’m hoping to pursue a career in physical therapy, but I would really love to work with kids. I talked to the coaches at Daniel High School and asked to help out, and they were all for it. I usually go out there two or three times a week and work with the kids, just helping them with their technique. It’s crazy, I competed with many of these kids when I was in high school, so it’s really cool to be able to work with them now and teach them some of the things I’ve learned at Clemson. I’ll be here over the summer helping them train.
TT: So would you say you would prefer to coach at the high school level rather than college?
SB: I don’t think I want to coach at the college level. There are a lot of background details going on and it’s not as personal. With high school kids, there is much more of a relationship. They are just beginning to run and refine their technique, so I love working with them, teaching them, encouraging them and just helping with their confidence. But at the same, time they teach me a lot too, so it balances out. It’s a mutual benefit.
TT: So what does being a track athlete entail? Does the season last all year?
SB: Well with Clemson track, I compete in cross-country in the fall, indoor track in the winter and outdoor track in the spring. Cross-country this year was more of a transition for our team, because we had just lost our coach and were having to adjust. But now we’re improving a lot: we have a lot of great runners coming in with recruiting and a lot of returning girls that are really good. Next year, we’re aiming for top-three in the ACC. With indoor track, we actually just won the ACC Championship this past season. I am the 1200 leg in the distance medley relay and also run the mile and the 3000m. I love the relay because you’re on a team, but the mile is really fun, too. Breaking the five-minute mark for the mile is a huge deal, and it’s a lot of fun.
TT: Which season would you say is your favorite?
SB: I like whatever season I’m in, but I really do love outdoor track because of the steeplechase. It’s just so different from any other event. The three seasons really are like three completely different sports though, and I love that. You have to change your mindset with each season, but the changeup is nice. Usually by the end of one season, you’re ready for the change.
TT: What made you choose Clemson? I know Spartanburg is nearby. Did you consider other schools, or was Clemson always your favorite?
SB: There is actually a really interesting story to this. Coming out of Dorman, I was recruited by Coach Thompson at Clemson and chose them. I was also recruited by Coach Herbster at UNC-Charlotte, and now he is my coach at Clemson. He actually called me when he found out. It’s a crazy coincidence, but it really has worked out for the best. Our team is really starting to mesh and improve; it has been a ton of fun. I just love Clemson, the students and the atmosphere around here. It’s incredible.
