What is your major here at ONU?

I am an Exercise Physiology and Psychology double major.

How did you choose ONU?

I liked the smaller school atmosphere and I wanted a school where I could still run.

What high school did you attend, and did you participate in any other athletics or activities?

I attended East Lake North High School and ran Cross Country my             sophomore through senior year.  My freshman I played soccer before I became interested in Cross Country.  In high school, I was also a member of volunteer club.

How did you become interested in Cross Country and in general, running?

Both of my brothers always ran Cross Country and I picked it up from them.  I enjoy it when I first started, so I continued running.

Who have been some of your role models?

Of course my parents are role models for me because they have given me      opportunities and have been very supportive. Also, my whole family has been very supportive.

At the start of the season, what were some of your team goals and individual goals?

As a team we wanted to win conference again, because we have won it two   previous years. Also, we wanted to keep improving throughout the season.  We have a younger team and improvement every week is key.  As for myself, I wanted to run consistently throughout the season and get a personal record, which I have done.            

How has the season gone so far?

As a whole the season has gone pretty well.  We have had a few meets that we could have done better, but all in all I feel we have done a really good job.  If everyone keeps improving then we are a pretty good chance of winning conference.

What will it take for your team to win the OAC Championship?

To win the OAC Championship we will definitely have to run together as a pack. To be competitive with other teams we will have to not lose site of each other and keep our pack tight while continue to move up.

Since there is only one senior on the team, who takes on the leadership role(s)?

The juniors work really well together and a couple of the sophomores have   stepped up. Rachel Smith has really stepped up for the team.

Do you or your team have any rituals that are performed before every race or something that gets everyone motivated and focused?

We always have a team meeting the day before the race.  Then right before the race we have a pray circle.  It is nice to have something consistent for each meet.

How has Cross Country affected your overall life positively?

Cross Country has given me a lot more discipline and I am able to management my time better.  Also, the mentality of running carries over into all other aspects of my life.

Since you are also a member of the Track team, do you ever get a break or how do you get away from running for a while?

We get a few weeks off between Cross Country and Indoor Track season, and then meets don’t actually start for another few months. It’s nice to get a physical and mental break from running.  As for myself, I like to watch movie, relax and hang out with my friends.

What is the best piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman to the Cross Country program?

Do your summer training and follow the workouts.  Come in with a positive  attitude, stick with it and in the end it will pay off.