Pedigree: This week’s Pioneer Focus goes to  junior mid-distance runner Scott Whitaker for his efforts at the Bucknell Univeristy Invitational Saturday, April 12. Whitaker participated in the 1500-meter race, crossing the finish line in an impressive 3:50:28. The time was a personal best for Whitaker and was also a NCAA Division II provisional mark for the 2014 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championship.

Get to know the mid-distance runner from Pittsburgh…

Junior mid-distance runner Scott Whitaker recently ran a personal best in the 1500-meter race in 3:50.28 at the Bucknell Univeristy Invitational Saturday, April 12. (Photo courtesy of Philip Palmer)

Major: Communications with a media focus

Nickname: Skittywhitty

Hometown/high school: Pittsburgh, Trinity Christian School

Q: What is your favorite spring activity (besides running)?

A: Pick-up soccer games

Q: How did you get started in track and field?

A: In elementary school, my friends and I would see who could jump over the highest hurdles while waiting for our older brothers to race. After doing this so many times, I decided to race in middle school doing the 110 hurdles.

Q: Any other sports you participated in?

A: I competed for my high school soccer team all four years. We didn’t have enough people in my school to find seven guys who liked running long distance, so I did soccer instead of cross-country. I love the sport.

Q: Something you do not miss about high school?

A: Class from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. I love my naps and free time before class in college.

Q: Spring or fall?

A: Both

Q: How do you feel about the idea of “ring by spring”?

A: Well I am not sure what time of the year Frodo received the ring from Bilbo, but it was probably in the spring. With that being said, I am glad this phrase exists; otherwise, Sauron could be ruling Middle Earth this moment.

Q: If you could pick one actor to play you in a movie, who would it be, and why?

A: I would have Bradley Cooper play me in a movie, because I think he is one of the few actors that could pull off my hairstyle.

Q: If you were stranded on an island and you were only allowed three items, what would they be and why?

A: I would definitely take a fire starter, a heavy-duty survival knife and a volleyball. I think with those three items I could survive as long as needed. The volleyball is, of course, to keep me company.

Q: Favorite aspect of track and field?

A: I simply love racing, and I love being able to push myself to new limits with each new race.

Q: What teammate do you admire, and why?

A: I admire Mitch Williams because he taught me so much about the 1500 and just how to not race stupidly, and for that, I am grateful.

Q: What legacy would you want to leave Malone after graduating?

A: I would want to leave a legacy of dedication. While I attend this school, I would want it to be known that I was dedicated to my team, my friends, my coaches and my schoolwork. I won’t give up until the job is done, whatever that job may be.

 Tina Oprean is the sports editor of The Aviso AVW.