Men's Cross Country | 11/3/2014 3:01:00 PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302
(article posted by Claire Norfleet, Student Sports Information Assistant)

Nov. 3, 2014 - With such a rich team history and renowned coaching staff, junior Troy Kelleher knew he would have the chance to become the best athlete he could be when choosing to be a part of the men's cross country team at North Central College.
           
"They welcome athletes of all skill levels – regardless of high school performance – and give them the opportunity to be great," he said.
           
Since his first races as part of a team in the seventh grade, Kelleher has been able to continue his passion at a college that is known for its cross country program.
           
A typical week of preparation consists of various workouts, but every morning at 6:25 a.m. is the team's "easy" run. Monday and Wednesday afternoons consists of high-tempo drills, such as hill repeats and interval training. After race days and an 18-mile Saturday morning run, each runner typically reaches 90 to 110 miles on a weekly basis. Such copious amounts of time spent running could have negative impacts academics for some, but for Kelleher, however, time management has played a crucial role.
           
"Academics are always more important than athletics, and I make sure I allocate enough time and energy for both," he said.
           
The opportunity to be a student-worker for the College's Office of Marketing and Communications has also proven to be a valuable experience.
           
"Working there has made me a better writer and a better communicator," he said. "(Editorial director) Laura Pohl, (associate director of public relations and college communications) Nancy Dunker and many other staff members at OMC have selflessly served as mentors and educators, creating an environment that values hard work and a positive attitude."
           
Director of publications and media relations Ted Slowik helped Kelleher land a job as a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun-Times and the Aurora Beacon-News. In addition, he writes stories for the College's NOW Magazine about the Cardinals' cross country or track and field teams, occasionally even about his own accomplishments.
           
"Having an inside perspective and a knowledge of the sport makes writing these pieces easier," he said.
           
Recently earning the distinction of Division III National Athlete of the Week by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), as well as five College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Athlete of the Week Awards only motivated Kelleher to help push the team to even more success.
           
"It's simply an objective, individual accolade," he said. "I think team performances speak to the efforts of myself, my coaches, my teammates and our supporters."
           
The Cardinals have been the No. 1-ranked team among NCAA Division III schools for six straight weeks. Since the beginning of the summer, the overall team goal has been to win the Division III National Championship that takes place on November 22. North Central collected its 41^st straight CCIW team championship on Nov. 1, as Kelleher placed third overall to help lead the Cardinals to a dominant win.

Kelleher will do everything in his power to help the team goals materialize, as well as bring home both the individual and team national champion accolades.
           
"My personal success this season resulted from years of consistent and disciplined training, a positive attitude, and the support of my teammates, coaches, family and friends," he said.
           
The men's cross country team will compete on Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Division III Midwest Regional Championship at Lake Breeze Golf Course in Winnecone, Wisconsin. The Cardinals will be pursuing their seventh straight regional title.