Pedigree: This week’s Pioneer Focus goes to junior cross country runner Ryan Roush, who finished third recently at Southern Indiana University Regional Preview and helped the Pioneers finish second out of a field of nine teams. Roush ran a time of 24:31 to finish third out of 118 runners in the men’s 8K race. Roush’s efforts helped him earn his first GLIAC Men’s cross country athlete of the week honors.

Roush finished third out of 118 runners with a time of 24:31 in the men’s 8k race at Southern Indiana University Regional Preview.  (Photo courtesy of Malone Athletics)

Get to know the runner from Canfield, OH…

High School: South Range High School

Major: Exercise science

Q: What brought you to Malone?

A: A decision between two Division II College’s and Malone won out.

Q: What has been your best experience running cross country?

A: Winning conference in the 10K this past spring.

Q: Have you traveled anywhere due to cross country?

A: Freshman year, I ran for team USA in Scotland and Jamaica.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish this year?

A: I hope the team gets top five nationally. Individually, I would like to be an All-American. 

Q: What do you want to do with your major?

A: I want to be a physical therapist.

Q: Who do you admire most on the team?

A: I’d say my roommate Lorne Straubaugh.

Q: What do you want for Christmas?

A: Hmmm… Probably just a run in Millcreek Park. 

Q: What four people, dead or alive, would you take to lunch with you?

A: Jack Hazen, Alberto Salazar, Steve Prefontaine, and Galen Rupp.

Q: What have you learned from legendary coach Jack Hazen?

A: The biggest thing I’ve learned is to just stay patient, which was the first thing he told me as his athlete.

Q: What do you want to take away from Malone Athletics once you graduate?

A: A good group of friends, some medals, and most importantly, a degree.

Q: Do you want to run professionally?

A:  I don’t know if running professionally is in the cards, but I would say maybe. Would like to get sponsored and get some free shoes. 

Q: What’s your favorite color?

A: Blue.

Q: What’s your biggest hobby?

A: When I’m not running, I like to play with my rubik’s cube.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: Hopefully a coach and a physical therapist.  

 Justin Davis is a sports writer for The Aviso AVW.