Sept. 20, 2005
What is the biggest difference between your freshman season and thus far your sophomore season?
Coming into cross country my freshman year, I did not know what to expect. I was overwhelmed by the workouts, the long bus rides to meets and the amount I had to eat to stay on top of the game. This bewilderment bull-dozed me over. I couldn't keep up in practices or meets, and my season came to a disappointing end after Conference.
What do you like best about being a part of UWM's cross country and track teams?
The
What is it that you look forward to most in the coming years at UWM?
I can't wait to get a house with the girls on the team and live our sport all together. Being around people that eat as much as I do will be great.
What do you do, both individually and as a team to prepare right before a meet?
As a team, on our last run-out, we gather in a circle, talk about the grueling race to come and what we want to accomplish, then all together we let out a fierce, womanly scream at the top of our lungs. Then individually, I say a prayer while I'm standing on the line waiting for the gun.
Has it been a benefit to both your athletic and academic career having your family relatively close by, originally being from
Yes, because there's a certain something about being home that makes everything right with the world. Having a home-cooked meal, being tucked in at night and having my laundry done for me puts my mind and body at ease. After spending a non-meet weekend at home, I feel stronger and ready to face the world. Unfortunately, this season, we have no races in
What drew you to study architecture and what are your career plans after graduation?
I almost majored in art, but I couldn't deny my interest in math and science. Architecture, I decided, would be the best of both worlds. After I graduate with a bachelor's degree, I plan to work for a few years to gain experience in the field and then return to UWM to get a Master's Degree.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
Anna Christian. We are similar in so many ways, and I know she faces a lot of the same toils and troubles that I do. As a senior, she has been through so much, and her knowledge about running and life in general has been a tremendous help. I'm thinking about coining a bracelet that says, "W.W.A.C.D."
If you could change one thing about your sport, what would it be?
I know this probably will never change, but I would love Cross Country and Track to be more of a spectator sport. I wish people would realize the training that goes into running, and how hard we've worked to be where we are.
What is your best non-athletic talent?
I really like art - drawing and painting especially.
What do you like to do on a rainy day?
Run.
What TV show would you most like to appear on and why?
Full House. I would love to get taught a life lesson at the end of every show with soft music playing in the background.
What would people find surprising about you?
I was born with six fingers on my right hand.