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Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302
(article posted by Jeremy Rushing, Student Sports Information Assistant)

Sept. 24, 2012 - Amanda Marek knows how to be efficient both on and off the track.  She has spent her last four years both working hard and running hard, and has proved herself as one of the top runners not only on the North Central College women's cross country team, but throughout the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) as well. 
Over her first three seasons, Amanda raced in two NCAA Division III Midwest Regionals, one Division III National Championship, and has earned an All-CCIW award.  She has also earned Academic All-CCIW honors twice. 

In her first season as a Cardinal, Amanda broke through with two top 40 finishes, placing 16th at theLake Forest College Forester Invitational and 35th at the Benedictine University Invitational.  During her sophomore season, the management major saved her best for the postseason. She placed 10^th at the CCIW Championships, earning All-Conference accolades, and 54^th at the NCAA Division III Midwest Regionals.
               
As a junior, Amanda placed in the top 15 twice during the regular season.  She also placed 12^th at the CCIW Championships, 55^th at the NCAA Division III Midwest Regionals, and 221^st at the NCAA Division III National Championships.  For the second straight season, the Bridgeview native earned All-Conference and Academic All-CCIW honors. She has been the Cardinals' top runner in two of their first three meets this season.

Q: How long have you been running competitively?
A: I've been running competitively for about 10 years.

Q: What do you like most about running?
A: I'd have to say the best part of running for me is really the team aspect of it.

Q: What was it like to compete in the NCAA Division III National Championships last season?
A: Competing at nationals was a great experience.  It was amazing to share that with my teammates and prove wrong all the doubts.

Q: What events do you compete in during the Track season?
A: In the Indoor season I compete in the 10k, 5k, and 3k.  During outdoor I compete in the 5k and the 3k steeplechase.

Q: Is there anyone else in your family that ran cross country or track?
A: My cousin Sarah ran cross country for St. Xavier University and now she runs marathons

Q: Do you have any superstitions on race days?
A: Not too much.  I do this weird jumping thing right before the line and if I eat an apple before the race I have to keep the sticker (laughs).

Q: What is your favorite cross country/track & field memory in your career so far at North Central?
A: My favorite memory would have to be the moment we found out we were going to Nationals (last season).

Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: After graduation I hope to get involved somewhere in the business world.  I really hope to work with logistics and teams.

Q: Who are your role models?
A: My role models would have to be my Mom, along with the faculty mentor for the Men's cross country team, Assistant Professor of Finance Pat Gray.