The Vitals

Name: John Mason
Sport: Cross Country
Age: 21
Field of Study: Construction Management

Best thing about being on the team?
Probably how close we are (the team) as a group: It's like an extended family. They're like my family, except better. We spend four days a week plus weekends together and I never get tired of them.

Worst?
The season's too short. It starts in September and ends in the middle of November. They are 10-week seasons.

Team Flaws?
No flaws. We have great coaches, and a great group. Some people might think we are strange or crazy because running isn't something that seems fun. It takes a ‘different' type of person to do that.

Best experience?
There's been so many. I was getting ready for a race and heard that the women's Cross Country Team won the gold at Nationals. No College team has won that since the ‘80s. They won it on Saturday November 8, 2008.

How does the team celebrate?
We always get together as a team and have a party. We like doing stuff together outside of running.

What is it like balancing Cross Country and school?
It's a bit difficult at times. Just planning and organizing is how we make it work.

How much do you practice?
Seven days a week. Hard team practices are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Hard team practices are generally speed work or hills

Do you play other sports?
Nope. I just run.

Any special talents?
I can wiggle my big ears without touching them. They are massive!

How long have you been running?
I started when I was in grade three. I began taking it seriously in grade 10.

Future goals/plans?
I have one more year of eligibility left with the team. Hopefully next year we win gold at the championship, that's a nice way to finish off.

Rituals before/after a race?
Team breakfasts the morning before a race. I eat, relax, chat a bit and get pumped up.

Perfect meal before a race?
The morning before a race I like to eat a bowl of oatmeal and apple juice.

Hardest team to beat?
Conestoga. They have a very strong group of runners similar to ours. They beat us in Provincials, and we beat them at Nationals.

Easiest?
Fleming had a really strong team but they lost a lot of veterans. They weren't the strongest team this year.

Favourite sports team?
Fanshawe Cross Country Team.

How well do you and the couches get along?
The head coach and I are best friends, he's a father figure. The coaches are outstanding and great people.

Who's your #1 fan?
I better say my parents.