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| 09-29-2004 | Previous edition: 09-28-2004 |
        
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Printer-friendly version Senior runner supports team while postponing final season
Staff Writer David Rae will have to wait a year for his final season of collegiate cross country. The senior runner from Naperville, Ill., decided to redshirt when he and cross country coach Jack Warner agreed waiting a year would be in the best interest of both the team and Rae. "The men’s team had a lot of inexperienced runners, so we just decided to let these young guys try to develop a little bit," Warner said. "Hopefully this will make us stronger so we can work up the ladder in the Big Ten." The inexperience shows. During the last cross country race at the Indiana Intercollegiates, five of the top seven Purdue runners were freshmen. Although the decision was difficult, Rae is proving that he is putting the team before himself, while at the same time giving himself time to improve. "It was really tough because I wanted to be done in four years and go on with my life, but after a disappointing track season last year, I had to reevaluate my options and get another shot at performing well," Rae said. "Having an indoor and outdoor track season left for next year, I decided to just compete all year next year." Rae said being redshirted has its perks. "I really enjoy watching the kids run, and I am excited about the seasons coming up," Rae said. "It’s also nice being able to perform so well in the open races." In the Indiana Intercollegiates race, Rae ran away from the competition with a time of 26 minutes, 29 seconds, almost a minute ahead of his next opponent. While sitting out this season, Rae has had time to practice for the goals that he is setting for this spring’s track season. "For track, I want to qualify for nationals and place high in the Big Ten meet, both in the steeplechase and the 3,000 meters." Leadership is a key quality that Rae wants to show to the younger runners on the team. This is a quality that Warner has seen from Rae since day one. "He has been fantastic. He is encouraging the guys to keep working hard because he’s been there and knows what it's like to be on a young team," Warner said. "He goes out on long runs with them and he’s there on the interval workout. Even though he’s not out there competing with them, he’s there to give them encouragement. "You take your knocks as a freshman and sophomore, and having a leader there makes it a lot easier." Printer-friendly version |
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