Xavier University Athletics
Sitting Down With the Muskies
10.19.09 | Cross Country
Oct. 19, 2009
CINCINNATI- This week senior Kate Phillips and junior Tommy Kauffmann sat down with goxavier.com to talk a little bit about themselves and about their recent trip to Oregon.
Senior Kate Phillips is now in her fourth season as a member of the cross country/track and field team. The East Islip, N.Y. native has been a consistent performer for the women’s squad.
When did you start running and why?
I started running in sixth grade and I didn’t end up running on the varsity team until I was a freshman in high school because I was involved in soccer. I started running track and field in eighth grade.
You are a veteran runner on the team now, as a senior, what advice to you give the younger runners on the team?
My biggest piece of advice is to tell them to relax. I remember being one of the young runners on the team and always being so nervous. I remind them to not stress the little things and to not procrastinate. Also, if they do have an issue they know they can come to anyone on the team; we are here for each other.
Why did you choose Xavier?
I’m from New York, so it’s kind of far. I like that it is a small school. I also really liked the team, I felt like we clicked. I was also excited about the running program Coach [Nester] was developing; I wanted to be a part of the growth of the program.
How has the program changed since you have been at Xavier?
I would say that we really have dedicated runners. Our girls work so hard and are of better caliber. Having such great people on the team pushes you to want to do better because everyone is so hard working. We have been moving up and up in the rankings too, it was awesome to be ranked regionally this year. We have come a long way because five years ago we didn’t even have a track and field program.
What is your favorite event to run?
I love running the 800-meters because it is a mental race and a really long sprint. It is a lot of fun.
How was the trip to Oregon?
It was awesome; I want to live in Oregon. Coach went above and beyond to give us a great trip. We went to Pre’s Rock and got to run on Hayward field. We also took this mile and a half hike to a waterfall; it was gorgeous!
What is the toughest part and the best part about being a student-athlete?
I would have to say that balancing is hard. I love all the automatic friends you make once you are a part of a team. I also love the fact that I am able to run, which is something I enjoy, and go to school.
What else are you involved with at Xavier?
I am in the Psychology club; it’s my major. I am a research assistant looking at the stress that parents who have autistic children go through.
Do you have any plans for after you graduate?
I want to go to grad school and work in school psychology.
Favorite TV show?
I love “Meerkat Manor”, I am sad that it got cancelled. Anything on the Animal Planet is great! Otherwise I like “Greek” and “Gossip Girl”.
Favorite Movie?
I love all of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. I can’t wait for the fourth one to come out.
Favorite Restaurant?
I love this place called Melt. Actually Bethany Moore told me about it because she knows I’m vegetarian. It has the best vegan and vegetarian food.
Tommy Kauffmann has become a standout runner for the men’s side. The Mariemont native placed first overall at this past weekend’s Mike Hodges Invitational.
When did you choose to start running?
I started in junior high school. Up until that point I played soccer.
Do you feel any pressure when you are out running?
I definitely want to help contribute to my team. This is a bit of pressure, but it is a good kind of pressure because it pushes me to do better.
Do you have any superstitions before a race?
I used to have one, but not anymore.
How was the trip to Oregon?
It was great. Going to Eugene was absolutely the best because there is so much track and field history at the University of Oregon. We got to go on a little tour.
What is your favorite event?
I like the 10,000 meters.
Do you think about anything when you are running?
I don’t really think about anything while I am running, but I am aware of the race.
What is the toughest part about being a student-athlete?
Time management is the hardest thing, especially when juggling practice, travel and school.
What is the best part about being a student-athlete?
I like the small atmosphere and getting to know the other student-athletes here.
Why did you choose Xavier?
It was close to home, I liked the community atmosphere and they gave me an opportunity to run.
Do you have any post-graduation plans?
I am a history major right now and I am thinking about maybe going to law school.
Are you involved with anything at Xavier?
I am on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.
Do you have a favorite Xavier moment?
I would have to say that my favorite memory is when we climbed Diamond Head in Hawaii last year.
Favorite TV show?
The Office
Favorite band?
The Rolling Stones
Players Mentioned
