Air Force Academy junior All-American Sam Gilman, an NCAA Division 1 finalist in both cross country and indoor track, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss competing in the men's seeded university/college 1,500 meters April 29 at the 112th Drake Relays Presented by Xtream Powered by Mediacom and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa. Gilman reflects on his third-place finish in the event last year in 3:40.39 at Jim Duncan Track and shares his ambitions to produce a sub-3:40 performance for the first time in his career. He revisits his thrilling 5,000-meter victory April 15 at the 62nd Mt. SAC Relays Presented by Nike by clocking 13:33.26 and holding off professional athletes Biya Simbassa and Wesley Kiptoo by covering the final lap in 58 seconds at Hilmer Lodge Stadium in Walnut, Calif. Gilman also analyzes how his 1,500 victory April 9 in Arizona at the Jim Click Shootout helped provide valuable confidence entering the race at Mt. SAC, which elevated him to No. 2 all-time among Air Force outdoor competitors in the 5,000. He already holds the program indoor 5,000 record with his 13:25.17 performance Dec. 4 at the Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener at Boston University. Gilman explains how he persevered during an emotional conclusion to the indoor season, racing March 11 in the 5,000 final and placing 14th overall in 13:52.34, just five days after learning of the death of veteran Air Force coach Ralph Lindeman. He shares the pride he has in wearing the "RL" patch on his Air Force kit and how he and his teammates have continued to support each other during a challenging transition in the program early in the outdoor season. Gilman speaks about the advantages of training in Colorado Springs and racing closer to sea level, and looks forward to the Mountain West Conference Outdoor Championships on May 11-14 at Buchanan High's Veterans Memorial Stadium in Clovis, Calif., as the Falcons look to secure the men's outdoor team title after winning the indoor championship in February in Albuquerque, N.M., in the last competition that Lindeman guided Air Force.

WATCH 112TH DRAKE RELAYS PRESENTED BY XTREAM POWERED BY MEDIACOM APRIL 28-30