Oct. 26, 2009

CINCINNATI- This week sophomores Micayla McGinn and Sean Comer gave goxavier.com some of their time to sit down and share a bit about themselves.

 

McGinn has been a steady fixture on the cross country team for two seasons.  The Plattsburg N.Y. native ran a season best 5K at the National Catholic Championships crossing the line at 19:36.  Another notable finish for McGinn was at the Queen City Invitational where her 17^th place 20:03 time gave Xavier the tiebreaker against rival University of Cincinnati.

 

When and why did you become involved in running?

I first became interested during a field day for gym class in elementary school.  I really liked it.  I played soccer during the fall and ran track during the spring.

 

Do you have any goals for this weekend’s A-10 Championships?

I would love to set a personal record at the A-10s and score for the team.  I really just want to end this season on a high note.

 

Do you have a favorite event to run?

I love the 800 meters; I ran it in high school also.  It is just long enough, while not being a sprint.

 

What do you think about when you are out there running during a race?

I try to stay mentally focused on the race.  I also listen to my body so that I know when to attack. 

 

What do you like to do when you are not running?

I love being outdoors and hiking or skiing.  I am from around Lake Champlain N.Y., so I just love being around lakes too.

 

Being from New York state, why did you choose Xavier?

Xavier came up on all of the college searches that I did online.  It is a good size and I got a great impression from Coach Nester about the program.

 

Have you decided on a major?

I thought about doing everything, but I narrowed it down to either something in the sciences or business.  I decided on majoring in occupational therapy.  Xavier has a great program, it is a five and half year program.  I love the variety that is available in this field; I can work at a hospital, school or nursing home among other places.  I also love that I am able to work one-on-one with people.  I had a friend growing up who had cerebral palsy and I helped her a bit; that is when I first got interested in this field.

 

Do you have a favorite spot on Xavier’s campus?

I love the second floor of the library.  It is not too quiet or too loud and you can still see people and say hi as they pass by.

 

Do you have any favorite memories from your time at Xavier so far?

Our trip to Hawaii last year was really exciting.  Another favorite memory I have is of the Duke vs. Xavier basketball game; I went to New Jersey to watch the game.

 

Favorite band?

I like Dave Matthews Band.  I’m also going to a Phish concert coming up soon.

 

Favorite type of food?

Italian.

 

Sean Comer travelled with the team to Oregon this season and participated in the Puma/Concordia Classic where he finished the four mile event in a time of 22:08.  The Cincinnati native also participated in the Big River Early Run and finished in a time of 22:03 in the 6K event.

 

When did you first become interested in running?

Halfway through my freshman year in high school some of my friends told the coach that I wanted to run.  It ended up going well for me, I finished third on the freshman team that year.

 

Do you have any goals for the A-10 Championships or the upcoming track season?

I would like to finish in the top seven on the team at the A-10s.  As for the track season, I would like to be able to run at the varsity meets.

 

What is your favorite event to run?

I like the 3000 meters because it is fast-paced and a rhythm race.

 

Why did you choose Xavier.

I am a Philosophy, Politics and the Public (PPP) major.  Xavier has a really great program for that.

 

What do you like to do when you are not running?

I like to play basketball.  Also, I like working on political campaigns.  As a PPP major, I am working on a campaign for someone running for city council.

 

Do you have a favorite professor or class at Xavier?

My favorite professor is Dr. Beaupre who teaches politics.  My favorite class would have to be my literature class that I am in this semester; Dr. Yandell teaches it.

 

What are the perks of being a student-athlete?

It is nice that we are able to register for classes early [so that we can work around our practice schedule].  I also love all the cool trips that we get to go on.

 

Do you have a favorite spot on campus?

I like the basement level of Gallagher Student Center because everything and everyone is there.

 

What have you learned from the older runners?

I follow the lead of the older runners of what it takes to be a successful runner.

 

Favorite band?

I like OAR.

 

Favorite movie?

Wedding Crashers.

 

Favorite food.

I like pepperoni pizza.

 

Xavier Musketeers Cross Country

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