Colorado graduate student-athlete Eduardo "Lalo" Herrera, a five-time NCAA Division 1 cross country finalist and 2017 All-American along with being an Olympic Trials finalist in the 5,000 meters, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss competing Nov. 20 at the championship meet at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, Fla. Herrera placed 33rd at his first national final in 2017 in Louisville and is seeking All-America honors once again, in addition to leading Colorado to another podium finish after the Buffaloes placed fourth in 2018 and third in 2019. He revisits the March 15 championship in Stillwater, Okla., where Colorado placed 14th and Herrera struggled in the later stages of the 10-kilometer race and finished 107th, and the motivation those experiences have created for the Buffaloes during this season. Herrera examines the impact that transfers Andrew Kent, Brendan Fraser and Charlie Sweeney have had on the program and how well the group has meshed together in a short period of time. He also explains the importance of developing into a leadership role and how much he has learned throughout his career about the value of team chemistry. Herrera analyzes the growth in his relationships with Colorado coaches Mark Wetmore and Heather Burroughs, and how their communication has improved over the years. He revisits winning the Pac-12 individual title March 5 in Washington and what it meant to add to the program's legacy of great champions. Herrera also shares his pride in Colorado sweeping both team titles Oct. 29 at the conference championship meet in Salt Lake City, and how the men's and women's teams both have national title aspirations in Tallahassee. He speaks about the experience gained from both groups winning NCAA Pre-Nationals on Oct. 15 at Apalachee Regional Park, in addition to competing in a loaded Mountain Regional on Nov. 12 in Provo, Utah, and how Colorado approached running its first 10-kilometer race of the season against fellow contenders Brigham Young and Northern Arizona. Herrera also refelcts on his experience at the Olympic Trials and learning what it will take to excel as a professional athlete following the completion of his graduate program. He also talks about earning his degrees in sociology and communications, and the foundation for his hard work and dedication growing up in Central California and attending Madera South High. Herrera also shares his ambition to return to his community to be an administrator at his alma mater or another school in the district to help inspire student-athletes in the future.