University of Richmond Athletics
20 Questions with Andrew Valenski
10/26/2011 | Cross Country
Editor's Note: Throughout the year we will sit down with a Spider cross country runner each week and have them answer a set of 20 questions about their lives both on and off the course. This week we interview freshman Andrew Valenski, who was most recently the Spiders' second finisher at the Virginia Panorama Farms Invite on Oct. 14.
RichmondSpiders.com (RS): Why did you choose Richmond?
Andrew Valenski (AV): I chose the University of Richmond because it was the perfect match for me. With an outstanding academic reputation, an excellent athletic program, ample social opportunities and great weather, I just couldn't not come here. Also, the campus looks like Hogwarts.
RS: With nearly a full season of XC now under your belt, what would you say it means to be a Spider?
AV: To me, being a Spider means excelling in every sphere, including achieving success as an athlete, a student and a community member.
RS: What kinds of goals did you set for yourself at the beginning of the season, and how do you feel about your progress toward achieving them to this point?
AV: The main goal I set for myself was to help the team win another A-10 Championship. Throughout the season, the entire team has increased in fitness. I believe that as we approach the championship season, we will be able to get the job done.
RS: You were the team's second finisher with your sub-26:00 8k at the Panorama Farms two weeks ago. How does this affect your mentality heading into A-10s this weekend?
AV: While the time does not mean too much to me, this in conjunction with some workouts, have really affected my confidence. I finally know where I'm at physically, and I look forward to racing like a Richmond Spider.
RS: Which teammate have you learned the most from in your first season as a Spider? Why?
AV: I'd say Chris York. He's an easy-going, funny guy, but when it's time to run he's all business. He's a great leader and has awesome taste in music, too.
RS: You come from a family of NCAA athletes. What takeaways have you gleaned from your family members that have now helped you at the college level?
AV: Growing up in a family of athletes has shown me that every athlete has obstacles in their career, but overcoming them is what determines their success.
RS: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment both in and out of the sport?
AV: I would probably say attaining All-America honors in high school for the Indoor 2-Mile. Outside of the sport, it was probably my music career.
RS: What separates great runners from average runners?
AV: A literal answer would be "minutes", but a truer answer is the ability to respond to obstacles. Whether they're injuries, academic issues or overcoming mental boundaries, great runners learn to overcome.
RS: Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions?
AV: I used to chug honey, but I stopped because I couldn't find the brand anymore. I'm superstitious about everything.
RS: What is the strangest thing you've seen happen during a race?
AV: My teammate ran across the infield of the track during an 800 to win. He won but was "disqualified" after.
RS: Will you please finish this sentence? If I stopped running...
AV: I'd have a lot of time on my hands.
RS: If your teammates gave you a superlative, what would it be?
AV: Hah, let's go with most likely to become the fourth Beastie Boy.
RS: Who are your role models both in and out of the sport?
AV: My biggest running icon would be my father. Outside of the sport, I'd say it would be Edward Teach (Blackbeard) or Andrew Jackson. They both just ruled.
RS: What is your major and dream job?
AV: I'm planning on double majoring in Biology and Environmental Studies. I hope to work with both small-scale (molecular biology) and large-scale (ecology) sciences to study efficient mechanisms that exist and examine these systems to see if they can be applied to anthropologic processes.
RS: Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?
AV: Gottwald because it is an awesome place to study, and I love all of the science stuff going on.
RS: If you could go on a run with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
AV: I'd probably have to go with Robert Frost... I've got a lot of questions for that man.
RS: If you could compare yourself to any literary, TV or movie character, who would it be? Why?
AV: I honestly don't know who would be an accurate comparison.
RS: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what one person and thing would you like to have with you?
AV: Easy. Bear Grylls and a machete. Bear Grylls would obviously come with his usual array of survival gear so all we really need is a machete to live a happy life on Casa de Valenski.
RS: What's something interesting about you that most people don't know?
AV: I live on an island, and I really don't like beaches.
RS: What do you enjoy doing outside of the sport?
AV: I really like exploring. I think Matthew Groff and I are going to go backpacking someday in Iceland.
Players Mentioned
