Runner has fast times at Mercyhurst
September 26, 2011
Sports Information photo: Senior Keven Gregg continues to perform well for the men’s cross country team. At Roberts Wesleyan, he finished fourth overall with a time of 26:52, 17 seconds behind the leader. As a team, the Lakers finished second.Senior Keven Gregg has had more than just good times on a stop watch, he has had a great time at the ‘Hurst.
A native of McMurray, Pa., majoring in history education, Gregg has led the men’s cross country team for the past four years.
Most influenced academically by John Olszowka, Ph.D., Gregg said, “He’s helped me from day one at Mercyhurst to be the best historian that I can be and always pushed me in class to do the best I possibly could.”
Outside of cross country, Gregg has an extensive list of clubs that he is involved in such as, Treasurer for Ski Club, History Club, Phi Eta Sigma, Kappa Delta Pi, Phi Alpha Theta and Chi Alpha Sigma.
Most recently, Gregg has led the squad to a 20th place finish at Notre Dame. Finishing in a time of 25:42, Gregg placed 41st overall and recently received PSAC Runner of the Week for the first time in his career.
Men’s Cross Country Coach Mike Fraley commented on Gregg’s leadership:
“Keven is the best kind of leader because he is exceptional athletically, academically and in his character. Keven lets everyone know up front that any success we have will be based on hard work in practice.”
Fraley also added that Gregg “practices what he preaches” by always being prepared and ready for every practice.
Gregg’s leadership and experience has been transpired and felt across the whole cross country team.
Naturally, he loves running; however, he described his ultimate running peak as a natural function.
“Sometimes in training you’ll get to a point where the run becomes as natural to your body as breathing, and it doesn’t matter whether it’s only the fifth mile or the 14th, or whether the pace is six-flat or seven-thirty, it just becomes a completely natural function of yourself, and you could go forever,” Gregg said.
Gregg noted that the team’s biggest key to success this year is keeping the whole squad healthy. This will allow the team to push through big races and come out on top.
Fraley also said, “I have had the privilege of coaching at Mercyhurst for 24 years and been lucky to coach many exceptional young men, and without a doubt, Keven stands out with the best of them.”
Next year, Gregg plans to attain his master’s in education at Mercyhurst.
As far as advice for freshmen, Gregg offers these words: “Balance your studies, and your outside lifetime here is shorter than you think. When all is said and done, you probably won’t remember much of classes or tests, but you’ll always remember the times you had and the things you did with the people you met.”