CHARLOTTE, N.C.- Queens University of Charlotte is pleased to announce that cross country runner Michael Crouch has been named the InterCon male student-athlete of the month for the month of October.
Crouch, a sophomore transfer student from Yucca Valley, Calif., captured the individual title in both meets he competed in during the month of October. In the first meet, the Highland Dual with Virginia Tech, he finished 30 seconds faster than the next finisher. In the second race of the month Crouch continued his winning ways and captured the Appalachian State University Blue Ridge Open title with six seconds to spare over the second place finishers, but 19 seconds ahead of the next collegiate runner. The win at the Blue Ridge Open saw Crouch beating out 200 other runners from collegiate teams such as Duke, University of North Carolina, Clemson, and also professional running teams. His efforts helped Queens garner the runner-up spot out of a 26 team field.
“I think Michael deserved the award due to the fact he went undefeated during the month of October. Overall he won three of the five competitions he ran in against not only division II teams but also division I and professional teams,” said Head Coach Scott Simmons. “Michael has improved greatly since coming to Queens. His talent level has risen and he has worked very hard to make himself a nationally competitive runner.”
We caught up with Michael for a Q&A:
How does it feel to be student-athlete of the month?
I am ecstatic. I feel honored to represent the Queens cross country team.
Why did you choose to attend Queens?
I chose to attend Queens because of what the cross country program is going to be in the future and because of Coach Simmons’ training
What are your career goals?
I don’t know about my career goals, but my college goal are to run 13:30 for the 5k and break 4:00 for the mile and to win a national title.
What does it take to be academically successful at Queens?
Balance your life between athletics and school and put as much time into academics as running. You have to get in the hours of studying.
How do you manage your demanding schedule?
I manage it by devoting a certain amount of hours per day to my studies and making free time comes second.
What is your ritual before taking a test?
I don’t have a ritual I just study hard and hope for the best going into it.
Any rituals before a race?
I always listen to Nirvana and I always make sure I pray before my race. And then I just give it what I got.
What is your favorite quote?
It is better to burnout than fade away – Kurt Cobain
What are your goals for your team this season?
To make top 5 at NCAA Nationals and that’s about it.
What are your favorite cross country memories here at Queens?
My favorite cross country memory so far is hanging out with ten of my teammates in an RV for 4-days in the mountains at 6,000-feet altitude during fall break.
What is the most rewarding part about being a student-athlete?
Knowing that you are making something better of yourself. It might not be twice the work of a regular student but it is demanding and there is satisfaction in knowing I accomplished something more.
What is one fun fact people don’t know about you?
I used to hate running with a passion but now I love it.