Josh congratulations on your commitment to Illinois, how does it feel to finally have the weight of choosing a college off your shoulders?
Thank you! It wasn't really much of a weight. I really enjoyed the whole experience and was blessed to be able to go through it.
You took visits to some top academic and athletic institutions, what was it about Illinois that made you decide that you wanted to be a part of the Fighting Illini? What are you looking to study at Illinois?
Many of the top high school track athletes in this state leave for warmer climates collegiately, you chose to stay in state to compete. What would you tell an athlete choosing between a school such as Illinois and a school somewhere warmer given everything else is equal?
Given that everything else is equal I would have to say it would all depend on what that athlete wants for themselves and where they feel they will be able to train and compete the best they can. It is more of a personal preference. I don't mind the cold as much and I have always been outside doing sports no matter what the weather was like since I was little.
How has training been going for you after a long summer of competition?
As you probably noticed my last few races in the summer weren't exactly what I would have liked at all. After running those times me and my coaches pretty much decided then and there that it was time to shut it down for awhile. Me and few guys started up in August with an eight week workout program our coach made for us that was pretty challenging. After that we took a two week rest and for the last few weeks we have been going again with our coaches doing strength training and acceleration work.
You exploded on the scene in 2013 by setting an IHSA class record in the prelims of the 200m, flashback one year prior as a freshman, did you imagine then being where you are right now in track and field? What did it take to get to this moment?
Coming into high school with a spotty Junior high career, I had no idea what to expect and especially did not see myself running at state let alone being the only freshman in the 200m. After that first year of being at state my next goal was just to make finals and medal. My fastest time of the year came that year during prelims. My previous time was somewhere in the 21.8 range. I actually ran my two fastest races of the year at state even though I didn't win. Seeing [Dunbar's Demoria] Harris pull ahead during finals left a burning sensation that I used to push me through Junior year. Everyday during workouts my coaches would ask or say don't let him beat you again. Don't get caught from behind ever again. They really fueled me to push even harder in practice. Looking back at freshman year I would never once have thought I would be where I am. With hard work and being blessed with my ability I am trying to make the most of it.
Heading into your final season of track and field, you are a defending Illinois state champion, an IHSA record holder, a World Youth Trails participant, and one of the nation's top returning sprinters. What goals have you set for yourself entering your final season of prep competition?
Everything I have done the last three years has been in Class 2A. Winning back to back indoor titles in the 60m and the 200m and winning the 100m and 200m and breaking both records. This year we are 3A thus preventing my ability to three-peat indoors and outside. That doesn't change my mindset of what I want to do this year. "New class, new challenge" is one of our coaches sayings and I agree with it. I want to do everything I have done in 2A in 3A and prove that it wasn't just one good season and be one of the best sprinters to ever come out of Illinois. Winning and setting the 3A 100m, 200m, and 400m state records is my goals for this season as well as winning the 60m and 200m indoors as well
Finally,
Galesburg has produced some great athletes in its history such as Joey Range
who is well known in basketball. What will it mean to you a few years down the
line when people mention the name Josh Eiker as one of the best to ever come
out of Galesburg?
That would mean everything. There has been many great athletes to come out of Galesburg and many of them are still around today and visit the school frequently. Being in the same category as the people I have looked up to all throughout junior high and high school would be unbelievable. From a track standpoint I want to be the best sprinter thas has ever came from Galesburg. I want to set marks for all the future runners to strive and work for- just like the greats before me had.
Personal Records
- 55m (in) - 6.51
- 60m (in) - 6.91
- 100m - 10.42
- 200m (in) - 21.81
- 200m - 21.05
- 400m (in) - 55.43
- 400m - 48.39
- Long Jump (in) - 20-2.5