What is it like being a freshman athlete at St. Lawrence?
Being a first year at St. Lawrence is really cool so far. I felt like I fit in since the day I arrived to campus. No one is judgmental here and everyone is so friendly. It is so easy for me to do what I want to do and just be myself and not have to worry about what anyone thinks. Last night I went to swing dance club. I have never done swing dancing before in my life. Everyone I went with and everyone there was so supportive and enthusiastic. I had so much fun just doing something new and dancing with some of my friends. I will definitely be returning. Having athletics as another structural component in my day keeps me in check. It forces me to get my work done when I have the time to do it. Going to practice every day is a big time commitment but I love running and being with my team so it is absolutely worth it. St. Lawrence allows me to explore anything I want and enables me to try new things very easily and I am loving it.
What has made you feel comfortable here so far?
Honestly, nothing has made me feel uncomfortable here so I guess everything has made me feel comfortable. I have a great team and supportive friends around campus. This is simply an amazing school and I’m very fortunate to be going here.
Can you talk a little about your first collegiate race which you won, and additionally won rookie of the week in the Liberty League?
I went in to my first race with an extremely relaxed mindset. I didn’t have any pressure, from others or myself, to do well. I also went into the race with a reckless attitude. I trusted my summer training and I wanted to throw it all out there and see what level my fitness was on. The next Monday when my teammate John Churchill told me I had gotten rookie of the week I was pretty happy to hear that I received that recognition.
What does it mean to you to represent St. Lawrence in competition?
I was excited to wear scarlet and brown all summer. Finally toeing the line at Plattsburgh with all my new teammates wearing the scarlet and brown together was sensational. I am very proud to represent St. Lawrence. I feel honored to tell people I am a Saint. I have also already noticed how well respected St. Lawrence is as a school when I tell people that I go here. Seeing people respond positively when I tell them I go to St. Lawrence makes me even more proud to call this place my home.
How did you get mentally and physically prepared for the fall season?
I went into the season with the goal to do the most I can for my team, but to not be disappointed if things do not go as well as they can. I am realistic with my aspirations and I know that I still have a lot of time to do great things for my team.
Do you have any pregame routines or rituals?
I like to think that I do but usually they change after about three weeks of doing whatever they were. The one thing I consistently do is yawn a lot before racing because I like to go into races feeling as relaxed as I can and I believe yawning helps me calm down and stay relaxed.
Pub or Dana?
I usually go to Dana because I find it more convenient but I like the Pub too.