Recently we had a chance to speak with St. Francis (PA) cross country standout Ryan Sheehan.  Sheehan, the 2001 NEC Freshman of the Year, helped lead the Red Flash to the NEC title last year.  The Red Flash edged out FDU by eight points to win their third straight crown, taking four of the top five spots in the race last year.  Sheehan came up big in his initial campaign, placing fifth at the NEC Championships (25:48) and earning NEC Rookie of the Week honors on four occasions. Looking to surpass last year’s standards, the Pittsburgh, PA native has already been named NEC Athlete of the Week three times this season. Most recently, the sophomore earned the award after running 25:33 at the competitive Lafayette Invitational, claiming top individual honors among 146 runners. Currently, St. Francis (PA) continues to dominate the distance field as they seek their fourth consecutive NEC crown.

Name: Ryan Sheehan
School: St. Francis (PA)
Sport: Men’s Cross Country
Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
High school: Baldwin
Major: Biology
Notable Award: 2001 NEC Freshman of the Year, 2001 NEC All-Conference

Favorite TV show: Jackass
Favorite Movie: Pulp Fiction
Favorite Music: Classic Rock 
Favorite Class/Professor: Anatomy & Physiology taught by Dr. Langer

NEC: Why did you choose to come to SFPA?
RS: I was recruited to run and I liked the team atmosphere. I enjoy running with a close-knit group.

NEC: What career do you wish to pursue after graduation?
RS: I want to go to medical school to become a general practitioner.

NEC: Do you feel any pressure this year after having such a great rookie season?
RS: Not really, I just keep trying to improve.

NEC: How do you feel about your performance at the highly competitive Penn State Invitational?
RS: I felt good until I slipped on the mud and fell with 3/4 of a mile left. It was a great team effort; the older guys are really stepping up.

NEC: How are you gearing up for the Championships?
RS: We are training hard and making sure we stay healthy. We are getting our race plan down, so we don’t go out too fast.

NEC: What will it take for SFPA to repeat this year as NEC
Champs?
RS: We need our back guys to really step up. If everyone performs to the best of their ability we should be able to win.

NEC: Who is your biggest competition at the Championships this year?
RS: UMBC and Mount St. Mary’s. Individually, Erick Too from Fairleigh Dickinson is always competitive.

NEC: How do you motivate yourself to run a better race week-in and week-out?
RS: It’s more about expectations, we just expect to run as well as we can everyday.

NEC: What is your role on the team?
RS: I speak up when it’s necessary, but I leave it to the older guys to take on more of a leadership role.

NEC: What did you learn from the SFPA runners last year - for instance Kevin Doyle?
RS: I learned that it is a lot easier to run when your teammates are running with you and pushing you.

NEC: How long have you been running?
RS: I started running in the fifth grade, but not competitively until the seventh grade.

NEC: How did you get started?
RS: My uncle, who ran in college, got me started. I ran my first race with him.

NEC: What’s the toughest course?
RS: Our home course is definitely the hardest.

NEC: What’s your favorite course?
RS: I like the course at Lehigh

NEC: Who is your biggest influence?
RS: My parents for always believing in me and pushing me to do my best.

NEC: Describe how it felt when you were named 2001 NEC Freshman of the Year?
RS: I was happy. I ran well and I felt I deserved it for all my hard work.

NEC: What is the most memorable moment in your athletic career?
RS: Running the 10k race in 30:33 at the IC4A in Princeton last year. I finished sixth right behind two national qualifiers.

- Interview conducted by Dawn Van Cleef, NEC Administrative Intern