By Chris Luciano, Penn Men's Cross Country/Track & Field, Class of 2018
The one thing I am looking forward to most about the Ivy League Cross Country Championships is the atmosphere and feeling of the meet. The Ivy League Cross Country Championship meet is one of the most exciting, intense, and passionate meets I have ever competed in. The race itself is not very large which lends itself to a heightened sense of competition, especially after a season of building up hype. For the Ivy League schools, this is the most important meet of the season and it truly brings out the best in everyone. Plus the fans are always amazing-- there is a certain feeling in the air that cannot be replicated in any other meet.
My favorite memory is winning the Ivy League Cross Country Championship in 2016. After coming up four points short in 2015, the feeling of finally bringing the trophy back to Penn after a 43 year hiatus is one that I will never forget.
There is already a lot of competition between the Ivies, but this is especially true in athletics. The drive to be the best versus other student athletes who are in a similar situation (rigorous academics, no scholarships, etc.) is one of the best parts of going to an Ivy League school.
Personally, I will usually think about the competition and get excited for the race a week out, but then I like to try to keep it low-key and not think about it too much the few days right before the race. I believe in not changing up the normal routine too much leading up to a race.
The key to preparing for the Cross Country Championships while taking care of academic commitments is diligence and time management. It is crucial to plan weeks in advance to make sure everything can be taken care of so that when the time comes, the only focus is the meet itself.
As for a pre-race rituals, I will always shake my arms and legs out right before the race. It is something I have been doing since middle school and although it looks a little goofy, it helps take my mind off the race.
I chose the Ivy League because it provides the opportunity to be the best in the classroom and at athletics. There are not many places with great academics that can also provide the opportunity to compete at some of the most prestigious competitions in the nation, so you truly get the best of both worlds.
As for my favorite aspect of being an Ivy League student- athlete, I would have to say the people. My teammates are some of my best friends and surrounding myself with intelligent, competitive, and fun people makes life infinitely better.
Chris Luciano is a senior on the Penn men's cross country and track & field teams. The
2017 Ivy League Heptagonal Cross Country Championships take place Friday, Oct. 27, at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, N.Y.
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