Athlete: Jordan
High School: Prescott
Signed With: Cornell University
Cornell is a long way from home. What drew you to the school? (Other than it being an Ivy school of course)
I was drawn to Cornell because I love snow and running on treadmills. Mainly though it has everything I am looking for academically plus some. I'm looking for a change in pace and climate from Prescott, Arizona and from what I've seen Ithaca, New York is Prescott's polar opposite (no pun intended). The coach, Artie Smith contacted me after my I was admitted and the fact that I could run for them only made me sled, sorry, slide into my decision that much easier.
What do you intend to study at Cornell? What are your career ambitions?
I'm planning to study anthropology because I am really interested in the works of Jared Diamond. I am super excited to learn more about the reasons that today's society developed in the way that it did. I might want to dabble in business as well though, or at least take some courses, because my long term goal is to open a fudge shop, after I learn all about societal whys of course.
Try to pick for us a favorite or most memorable moment of your high school career….
My most memorable moment in my high school running career was definitely not at all my favorite. My freshman year I broke my hip. It was at the twilight cross country meet and of course my coaches ignored the fact that my hip was in excruciating pain. We had already run two races that week and I was much worse for the wear. But it was twilight after all, they weren't going to let me back out of twilight. So I ran it. My mom told me to drop out if my hip hurt. It did. A lot. But when I found out I was in 22nd place I knew the to 20 got medals and I couldn't pass up that opportunity. I ran as hard as I possibly could and more. I crossed the finish line and immediately collapsed and couldn't walk for a month or run for six. At least I got 19th.
How do you think training at altitude has been an advantage for you and how will it carry over into college?
I'm excited to run at a lower elevation because I definitely feel that living at high elevation my whole life has given me a leg up in that aspect of running. I would love to continue training at altitude in the summers and when I study abroad, which I plan to do in a Spanish speaking country high in elevation.
Who is your role model and why?
My role model is Haile Gebrselassie because is such an inspiration. He is a phenomenal runner and has set 27 world records which in itself is mind boggling. The real reason I look up to him, though, is that he has brought a lot of positive recognition to distance running and he is overall a great person who is known for his sunny positivity and great smile. I'm inspired by his ability to balance his individual accomplishment with an overall benefit for the sport. He is someone who exhibits all great character traits and is an extremely motivational person. He also has an really awesome name.