Describe the race.  What were your expectations going into it and how did they line up with the results?

The race was probably one of the most interesting experiences that I have ever had. How many people get the opportunity to run in the middle of a snow storm? Because of this, the race was tough, but the snow added some new challenges like trying not to slip for example. My expectations going into the race was to do my absolute best and win the rookie of the year award, and thankfully they lined up with the results.

What made you come to Lebanon Valley College?  Where did you come from and how did you hear about our institution?

The reason I made the choice to come to Lebanon Valley College was because the minute I arrived on the campus, it immediately felt like home. All of the staff and students were extremely informative and friendly. I knew that I would have a good time here while maintaining good grades as my number one priority. I came from Lewisburg, Pennsylvania and my parents were the ones who had heard about LVC. When I looked into it, I realized that Kristin Shoop, who went to high school in the town right next to mine, was also at LVC and I talked to her about LVC as well.

Since rising to the top of the freshman class in the MAC, what are some of your long term goals in both cross country and track?  Where do you see yourself and the team in the next couple of years?

My goals for both cross country and track are to always do my best and continuously improve if possible. In the next couple years, I see myself working hard along with the team and all of us making it as far as we can into the season in terms of qualifying for things. I would absolutely love to go to nationals at some point.

Coming from high school with some great times, how do you feel you have adjusted to running in college and what do you find to be the major differences?

Adjusting to running in college was tough at first. You have to be willing to work hard and continuously push yourself day after day. The results were definitely worth it. The major differences that I have felt between high school and college are that I have more self motivation to continuously improve and I feel less pressure from my team and more pressure from myself to do well.

What is your favorite part about being a member of the LVC cross country program?

My absolute favorite part about being a member of the LVC cross country program is meeting and becoming friends with the team. These guys and especially girls have become some of my best friends and I admire all of them greatly. I wouldn't be where I am without all of the support from them and my coach.

What is your favorite type of workout? Is there any one particular workout that you can remember that was challenging but made you a better runner or it?

This may sounds ridiculous, but my favorite type of workout is one that really pushes me to my limits. One particular workout that I remember that challenged me the most was our two mile-one mile work out where we run two miles as as we can, take a ten minute break, then run one mile as fast as we can after that. It was challenging and was extremely tiring, but I know I benefited from it which brought me to appreciate it eventually.

What hobbies, sports, or other leisure time activities do you enjoy most?

In between school work and cross country I am a life guard at the pools at LVC. I also really enjoy skiing, spending time with my friends, and watching ice hockey. One of my strangest hobbies is that I really enjoy is Juggling. My dad taught me when I was little and I did it in a spring musical production when I was a junior in high school.

Anything else we should know?

Last fall, Cynthia Adams arrived at LVC’s campus much like any other freshman student-athlete.  Leaving home for the first time and adjusting to a new environment and the rigors of collegiate athletics is an experience shared by thousands of freshman across the nation.  What sets Cynthia Adams apart is that she had signed up for a sport she had never done before. 

Cynthia was a three sport athlete in high school; competing in soccer, basketball and outdoor track at Southern Columbia HS.  While she excelled at all three, she was a three time medalist at the PIAA State Meet in the 800 meter run, recording a high school best time of 2:16 as a sophomore. On deciding to try a new sport, Cynthia recalled that “last year when I came into the XC program I was very unsure of what to expect but everyone told me college was the time to try new things and this was my chance.” 

Megan Long 10’, a two-time 1^st Team All-MAC runner, similarly came to LVC with no cross country experience and excelled immediately.  Long was also an 800 and 1500 meter specialist on the track.  “Megan helped to ease my fears by giving me encouragement throughout my freshman season. It meant a lot to be reassured by another runner who had never run XC until college,” remembers Cynthia.   

Cynthia began her LVC career and very first 5K by finishing a stellar 5^th place in 19:42 at the 2010 Dutchmen Invite, LVC's second runner across the line.  After a few more strong races, Cynthia unfortunately suffered a high-ankle sprain which derailed the remainder of her fall campaign.  While she was still critical to the team’s success, she was not running at 100%.  The optimism that can come along with excelling at something new quickly turned into self-imposed disappointment.  She needed a break to heal and regroup, both mentally and physically. 

Reinvigorated with a healthy ankle and a chance to prove herself on the track, a more comfortable realm for her, Cynthia had arguably one of the best seasons for a freshman in all of Division 3 athletics during the track & field season.  She is already four-time conference champion (indoor 800, outdoor 800, outdoor 1500, & outdoor 4x8 relay), a three-time ECAC Medalist (indoor 1000, indoor distance medley relay, & outdoor 400), the only freshman in the nation to qualify in the women’s 800 to the NCAA Championships, and lastly, a USATF Junior Nationals qualifier, held in Eugene, Oregon last spring.  She ran the 10^th fastest time of the year, notching a 2:11.30 at the Swarthmore Last Chance Meet.   

“Track season was definitely a learning experience but I got to compete against some very talented athletes in a variety of racing situations. After only running one season a year in high school, I was surprised by how much my times dropped with only one full year of running and Coach O'Brien's coaching expertise."

Although a highly accomplished runner already, Cynthia’s training age is rather young and she looks to remain healthy and continue to improve.  With a full year under her belt she now has a better understanding of what is to come and has prepared well for this fall.  Below she talks about her goals for the upcoming season.

“My goals for cross country are simply to improve as a runner and begin to understand how to race at a longer distance. Hopefully by working hard I can compete well within the conference.  This year I am more adjusted to demands of the cross country season and so far this preseason has been much less exhausting than last year's.  I'm excited to see what this year holds in running both in cross country and on the track. The team has looked very strong throughout preseason so hopefully that will translate into a very successful fall.” 

Please be sure to catch Cynthia and the rest of the Flying Dutchmen at their home invitational on Saturday, September 10^th at Union Canal Tunnel Park, a brand new course for this fall.  More information can be found at GoDutchmen.com.

The women's team minus Cynthia Adams

The men's & women's cross country team took a break from running this past Friday to spend a relaxing evening at Coach O'Brien's house in Lebanon.  The ladies decided to get dressed up as you can see above.  Kelly O'Brien provided the good food and the team spent some time relaxing together; playing ping pong, chatting and making smores around a fire.  Assuming Coach O'Brien's house still stands after Irene the team can anticipate another evening like this later in the year! 

 

1) What made you come to Lebanon Valley College?  Where did you come from and how did you hear about our institution?

The PT program is what got me interested in coming to LVC.   I am from a small town called Milton in Central PA.  I heard about the PT program from my high school guidance counselor, and after only one visit, I knew this was the place I wanted to go to.

2) What is your major and why did you choose it?

I am a physical therapy major and psychology minor.   After my experience of receiving PT as a young child, I thought that I wanted to help people and work in a similar facility.  After observing at the local PT pediatric clinic in town, I knew I wanted to work with kids and treat them through PT.

3) What do you plan on doing upon graduation with your degree?

After graduation, I would like to work in a pediatric hospital or outpatient setting.

4) What is your favorite part about being a member of the LVC cross country program?

My favorite part of being a member of the LVC XC program would be the family-like bond we all share.  The whole team is like a big group of brothers and sisters where everyone works together and helps each other out. 

5) What is your favorite type of workout?  Is there any one particular workout that you can remember that was challenging but made you a better runner for it?

My favorite workouts would be the Quittie Park Runs because it is a cool and relaxing place to run with the team and is always an adventure.  The track and hills workouts were always a challenge for me.  However, they really helped me to improve my speed and my final push in the end of the races.

6) What are your short term and long-term running-related goals, both team and individual?

This year, I would like to see our team beat Messiah again at MACs for the second year in a row .  Also, I would like to improve upon my PRs I set last season as well as complete a season with no injuries :)

7) What hobbies, sports or other leisure time activities do you enjoy most?

Ienjoy spending a lot of time with my family and friends in my spare time.  I also enjoy waterskiing during the summer and taking pictures.

8) What is your favorite type of food?

My favorite foods are Chinese and seafood.  I also have a major sweet tooth for anything chocolate :)

9) What makes you unique?  Do you have any special talents or something else that you'd like to share that others would find interesting?

Some things that people don't know about me are that I am left-handed, I've been in ballet for 13 years, and I have water-skied since I was 7.  Also, I have traveled to New Zealand for 4 months, but I guess that's not too unique since the other captains have done so also. :)

10) Why should a high school junior or senior take a more serious look at LVC?

A high school junior or senior should take a serious look at LVC because it's a small private school where students are provided with a lot of one on one attention in and out of the classroom.  Also, it has a wide variety of majors, clubs, and activities to satisfy almost every person's interest.

1) What made you come to Lebanon Valley College?  Where did you come from and how did you hear about our institution?

I am from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and I went to Cedar Cliff High School.  I first heard about LVC when I came here for an indoor track meet when I was a freshman in high school.  I remember specifically being surprised at how nice the sports center was and I was also pleased with the campus. 

A year later, my sister transferred to LVC and loved every minute of it.  When I was looking for schools, I wanted something close, small, and I was hoping to continue my running career.  When I came to visit, I felt like it was the right place for me and I knew I could definitely spend the next 4 years here. 

2) What is your major and why did you choose it?

I am a Business Administration major here at LVC.  Although I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do when I was older, I knew that the business field was versatile, practical, and would allow me to have options in the future. 

3) What do you plan on doing upon graduation with your degree?

At this point, I hope to continue my education and eventually get a master’s degree.  If this is not an option immediately after LVC, I would like to get a job in the central Pennsylvania area and continue to build my resume. 

4) What is your favorite part about being a member of the LVC cross country program?

My favorite part about being on the LVC cross country team is the friendships I have made.  This team has a great family-feel and everybody genuinely enjoys helping the team and competing at a high level. 

5) What is your favorite type of workout?  Is there any one particular workout that you can remember that was challenging but made you a better runner for it?

Typically, my favorite type of workout is off the track and preferably on a trail of some sort.  I usually tend to enjoy longer threshold workouts. 

One of my favorite workouts was just this past cross country season.  Around the middle of the season, we took a trip out to Mt. Gretna to do a workout on the rail trail.  The long distance guys did a 2 by 5 mile tempo run.  We went out 5 miles and had a 10 minute rest, then ran back 5 miles all at a very solid pace.  This workout was very difficult and definitely very hard on the body.  It was one of those workouts where I looked back and felt accomplished because it was one of the longest and toughest workouts I have ever completed. 

6) What are your short term and long term running-related goals, both team and individual

At this point in my running career, I hope to continue to get better as a runner.  This season, I want to break 28:15 and hopefully get into the top 45 at MAC’s.  My goal as a captain is to lead this team to success on and off the course.  This team will definitely turn some heads this year. 

7) What hobbies, sports or other leisure time activities do you enjoy most?

On my free time I like to watch and play sports, hang out with my friends, and listen to music.  I golf, mountain bike, and play tennis, basketball, and ping pong as much as I can.  My friends are a big part of my life. Typically we just hang out and watch sports together.  I am always up for trying new things. 

8) What is your favorite type of food?

I am a huge fan of desserts and especially chocolate desserts.  I have the worst sweet tooth which is a blessing and a curse.  If you don’t know me you will quickly learn that I need to have my chocolate fix a few times a day. 

9)  What makes you unique?  Do you have any special talents or something else that you'd like to share that others would find interesting?

I feel like I am unique in many ways.  I try my hardest to live my life to the fullest every day.  My Grandpa was always smiling and was known for being a family man who cared for everyone and lived his life the right way.  So if I can be a quarter of the man my Grandpa was I feel like I have succeeded in life. 

Someday I would really like to be a reality T.V. star.  So when I graduate I will probably try to be on an MTV show of some kind. 

10)  Why should a high school junior or senior take a more serious look at LVC?

Any high school student should look seriously at LVC because it has a lot to offer.  LVC takes pride in a high level of academics with a very well respected athletic program.  If you want to get a great education while competing in a sport and make great friends, then LVC would be the choice for you.       

1) What made you come to Lebanon Valley College?  Where did you come from and how did you hear about our institution?

I went to Liberty High School in Bethlehem, PA.  My first experience with LVC was in the summer going into my junior year in high school, when I attended the annual music camp.

I applied to several different institutions for piano performance because I was passionate about getting into the field of music industry.  The only problem was, I heard time and time again that it would have been very difficult for me to pick up a second major in business, much less compete collegiately, at these institutions.  

2) What is your major and why did you choose it?

3) What do you plan on doing upon graduation with your degree?

During the spring semester of my junior year, I created a business plan for a music industry-oriented social gaming company.  I am going to see this plan put into action after college, but also get into .  After a few years, I would like to go back to school for a masters degree, and possibly teach/ coach distance running in college.  

4) What is your favorite part about being a member of the LVC cross country program?

5) What is your favorite type of workout?  Is there any one particular workout that you can remember that was challenging but made you a better runner for it?

6) What are your short term and long term running-related goals, both team and individual?

7) What hobbies, sports or other leisure time activities do you enjoy most?

Mint CC/ Cookies and Cream Ice Cream, the ultimate post-race desert.

9)  What makes you unique?  Do you have any special talents or something else that you'd like to share that others would find interesting?

I love experiencing new things with others and being able to know what its like, so I can be more open and relate to others who have had similar experiences, or made them a major part of thier life.  All my life I have been proving myself against the odds, which has been a major aspect of who I am since the day I was born.  I was initially not accepted into the music program here at LVC because I failed the singing portion of the audition.  I was already accepted into the four other colleges I applied for, but I felt my college search would not be complete without being accepted into all the music programs I applied for.  So I took up vocal lessons and scheduled another time to re-audition instead of letting it go.  Without that mentality, I wouldn't have recieved an acceptance letter to LVC in April, would've never came to LVC, and wouldn't be writing on this blog today.  

10)  Why should a high school junior or senior take a more serious look at LVC?

1) What made you come to Lebanon Valley College?  Where did you come from and how did you hear about our institution?

I come from the wonderful city of Sunbury, Pennsylvania and graduated from Shikellamy high school.  My uncle Rory played football for LVC and my mom really enjoyed the campus when the family came to watch his games, so she encouraged me to at least take a look at the school.  LVC had everything I wanted in a school: small class sizes, a strong biology program, and division III track; however, I didn’t really fall in love with LVC until I was on my tour.  I had a wonderful tour guide and I just got a good feeling from the school.    

2) What is your major and why did you choose it?

My major is biology and I chose it because I had a few amazing biology teachers in high school who really sparked my interest in the subject.  It’s such a diverse and fascinating field that I knew I would stay interested.  Also, I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to do as far as a career, but I knew bio would give me a lot of different options and directions that I could go in after graduation and still be very likely to find a job. 

3) What do you plan on doing upon graduation with your degree?

I plan on attending graduate school to become a nurse practitioner; I'm hoping to specialize in acute-care pediatrics.    

4) What is your favorite part about being a member of the LVC cross country program?

 I really love the atmosphere of the entire program.  There is so much support and team spirit within these two teams it’s fantastic.  I’ve never been a part of a program where the athletes are so friendly and helpful towards one another.  I have made some of my closest friends through this program and I doubt that my college experience would have been nearly as enjoyable without cross country.  There is a wonderful partnership between the coaches and athletes that really makes this program a success and an enjoyable experience for all.

5) What is your favorite type of workout?  Is there any one particular workout that you can remember that was challenging but made you a better runner for it?

I really enjoy shorter, faster track workouts.  I'll admit I'm not an overly strong cross country athlete so I feel much more comfortable doing track work than longer runs.  But if I had to choose a workout more cross country oriented then I would probably say hill repeats are my favorite.  I would say the 6-4-2-2 workout from this past season was a rather tough one, especially while trying to keep up with Cynthia.

6) What are your short term and long term running-related goals, both team and individual?

Well, let’s start with team goals.  Short term I would really love the team to be ranked regionally again this season and have another top-two finish at MACs.  I think a good goal for the team in the long term would be to eventually win MACs and place high enough at regionals to make it to nationals as a team.  I think we have a very talented group of young runners who can easily make this goal a reality.  Individually in the short term I would just like to be a top five finisher for the team and help score some points.  As for the long term I would really like to provisionally qualify for nationals for track and maybe one day (in the very long term) run a marathon.

7) What hobbies, sports or other leisure time activities do you enjoy most?

I really enjoy playing soccer on the occasion I still get the chance to.  Watching football is one of my favorite Sunday afternoon activities as well.  I used to play the piano quite a bit when I was younger and would really love to pick that back up again once I have a little more time in my schedule.

8) What is your favorite type of food?

 This is a tough one I love food so much, but if I had to choose I would say either sushi or Italian would be my favorite type.  They are both delicious, but in completely different ways.

9)  What makes you unique?  Do you have any special talents or something else that you'd like to share that others would find interesting?

Well, standing at an impressive 4'10" and 3/4 I'm a mere 3/4 of an inch above being a legal midget.  Another fun fact is that I'm half blind.  So if you're ever in need of a half blind almost-midget, I'm your girl.    

10)  Why should a high school junior or senior take a more serious look at LVC?

Photos by Rodney Nesmith, Video by Coach Wardle 

Photos by Rodney Nesmith & Kathy O'Brien 

Photos by Rodney Nesmith, Video by Coach Wardle 

Video by Rachel Lindt, Photos by Rodney Nesmith. 

Photos by Rodney Nesmith & Alisha Farrel.  Video by Coach Wardle. 

Photos by Rodney Nesmith & Kathy O'Brien 

Brad Sweigart

Alex Talarico

Rising sophomore Alex Talarico had a very solid first year campaign, posting strong personal bests of 28:54 for 8K during cross country and 4:15.5 for 1500 during the track season.  Not one to necessarily demand the spotlight, Alex has the strong ability to bring people together and will look to do so in an official capacity during his first season as a captain.

Jenn Cronin

NCAA qualifier, defending NCAA Mideast-Regional Runner of the Year, and two-time MAC bronze medalist, Jenn Cronin returns for her senior campaign as the most decorated female distance runner in school history.  Posting a strong personal best of 21:39 for 6K, and holding 7 current school records for track and field (with a study-abroad semester during the spring of her junior year), she returns as one of the strongest runners in the region and looks to turns things up a notch for her senior campaign.  Jenn leads a young but very formidable team looking to make its mark in 2010.

Megan Long

In just her first season running cross country, Megan Long finished with 1^st-Team All-MAC honors and four top ten finishes during regular season invitationals.  Megan is also one of the most decorated female distance runners in school history, with her name splashed all over the Top-10 Record Book for track & field (and she has to get the record for the most 2^nd places!).  With a year of experience under her belt, she looks to provide one of the strongest 1-2 punches around along with Jenn, and should be a contender on the regional level as well. 

 

  After competing in and winning 3 out of the 4 Xterra Trail Run - Long Island Series events, assistant coach Chris Bauer has been invited to compete in the Xterra Trail Run National Championship in Bend, Oregon on Saturday, September 18^th.  Chris will be competing in the 21km race (13.05 miles) in a locale that has been deemed “America’s Best Trail Running Town” by Outside Magazine.

  Bauer was a four-year letter winner in cross country and specialized in long sprints and hurdles in track & field during his time as a student-athlete at LVC.  Entering his second season as an assistant coach with the cross country programs, he coordinates the strength and conditioning aspects of the program as well as other duties.  His transition to distance running post-collegiately has been quite impressive and his addition as a coach in 2009 has provided a huge boost to program.

The new warm / practice shirts are in for the 2010 season.  This year we decided to go with a sleek black color to compliment the women's tights and men's run pants.  The photos are of the women's shirt but the men's is the same design just cut slightly different.  The 2010 squad will wear these as part of their warmup for every invitational as well as around campus!   

 

  Many Travels Finish Up Semester in Spain

Jenn taking in some beautiful scenery in Ireland outside of Dublin

I am actually all finished with my classes and everything, but am traveling for a little while longer. I just got back from Portugal last night and it was without a doubt one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been to. One morning I went out for my run and I found a path that went right along the ocean. It had just gotten done raining a few minutes before I started my run, so about 20 minutes into it I saw a rainbow. It was super awesome. The rainbow looked like it was going right into the water. I really enjoyed my semester abroad, despite not liking everything about the city where my university is, the experience itself was amazing. I got to travel to so many cool places.             

During my spring break I went to Florence, Berlin and Dublin. Florence was beautiful, but very pricey. I met a lot of students from the United States, one actually went to Millersville and another went to F&M, so that was pretty sweet. I got to see Brad while I was in Berlin, which was awesome. I was only in Berlin for like a day ad a half, so hopefully one day I will be able to go back and visit again, because I really enjoyed my time there. I even ate a bratwurst!! Then my last stop was in Dublin, which was my favorite place out of the trip, I didn’t want to come back to Spain. I traveled with Jordan Nendza, who is a soccer player at LVC and Martita Bowersox, who is a field hockey player. We had such a great time. I took off from running for the 10 days that I traveled, and had all intentions to begin running again, when I got back to Spain, but unfortunately I got sick. I had a fever and a cold, so I had to take off some more time. But once I got healthy I started running again and I have hit 50 miles plus in the past two weeks.

I am really looking forward to going home and running. I am leaving for Paris on Thursday and then will finally come back home on Monday. For the 17 weeks that I have been out of the US I will have averaged about 42 miles per week, so I was pretty happy with that. I am excited for the upcoming XC season as well. For anyone who has the opportunity to either study abroad to Europe or to travel to Europe I highly recommend going to Ireland and Portugal. Those were my two favorite countries that I visited. In Spain I would suggest Barcelona and Toledo. Chris, my boyfriend came to visit in March and we went to Toledo. It was really pretty and had some awesome trails to run.  

But I hope that everyone is doing well, good luck on finals and I will see everyone when I get back!! =)

Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy

Jenn, Brad Sweigart & Martita Bowersox on their spring break trip to visit Brad in Germany

The oceanside path Jenn ran along in Portugal