Runner returns to competition after injury

By Greg Conner
Staff Writer

Purdue cross country runner Geoff Fleming has been through adversity.

The fifth-year senior is back this season after being sidelined for nearly a year and a half with an injury to the arch of his foot. His fight back continues to surprise both his coaches and teammates.

"Things have come together a bit faster than I expected them to," said Fleming.

Things have, in fact, come together for Fleming, who finished fifth at the Indiana Intercollegiates meet Sept. 17 and was named the Big Ten cross county male athlete of the week. Although cross country coach Mike Poehlein said that it is too early in the season to see just what Fleming’s impact on the team as a leader will be, he did say he is very optimistic.

"That’s what this team needs," said Poehlein. "That’s what seniors are supposed to bring."

So far this season the men’s team is off to a great start and is ranked ninth out of the 42 teams in the Great Lakes Region.

"As a team this season our main focus has been to run as a group," said Fleming. "I think we have really bought into this philosophy."

After the first two meets of the year, the team has its top five runners within 40 seconds of one another.

"If we can keep this up, come Big Ten time we could have the best showing in recent years," said Fleming.

Focusing primarily on long distance events, Fleming has also enjoyed a successful career on Purdue’s track and field team. His favorite event is the 3,000-meter steeplechase, an event consisting of five 30-inch-high hurdles with a 12-foot water pit at the end of the last hurdle.

"I have always liked the steeplechase because it compares so much to cross country events," said Fleming, who will be back in competition with the rest of the team Saturday at the Indiana State Invitational.

Since coming to Purdue, Fleming has also had a chance to contend internationally, something he says he really enjoys. In the summer of 1999 he competed in the World University Games in Palma da Mallorca. He ran in the half marathon for Team USA and said it was one of the biggest thrills of his life.

Fleming’s determination, especially in coming back from an injury to compete in cross country, has impressed his teammates.

"He has just an amazing level of talent, which is something I’ve always aspired to reach before I leave Purdue," said senior teammate Robert Heise.

Heise sees this determination whenever Purdue runs its most rigorous workouts, which are on sand hills in an old gravel pit.

"Geoff is just tough as nails," Heise said.

Although the aviation technology major plans to work for a large airline after he graduates from Purdue, Fleming still wants to continue running and perhaps one day get to the Olympic trials.

"I have always dreamed of competing in the Olympics," he said.

Purdue, Indiana to vie for annual award

Runner returns to competition after injury

Ayodele to battle with buddy

Boilers to take field for tribute ceremony

SPORTS DESK PHONE:
(765) 743-1111 ext. 251

Sports editor:
Paul Trembacki

Assistant sports editor:

To send a letter to the editor, please email sports@purdueexponent.org