Christian Van Cleave: The Formula of Concordia

Why don't you start by telling us what made Concordia the right school for you.

I visited Concordia over the past summer, and walked away knowing that was where I belonged.  While I was on the campus, I got that feeling in my gut where I just knew it was where I was supposed to be. All the professors there are the nicest people I've ever met, and the head track and XC coach is no exception. I went back for an official visit in August and that sealed the deal for me. When it has students, the campus is incredible. I attended a few classes while I was there, and I have to say, college is going to make school fun.

What do you plan to study at Concordia?

I plan on getting a Business degree with an emphasis in Management Information Systems. If I can manage it, I would like to do a double major in music.

You've run cross country and track all through high school. If you had to choose between the two, which would it be?

I definitely like running track way more than cross country. Racing around a track is a fair battle ground to me, and results that come from track meets are true indications of skill. As well, the anticipation and excitement at track meets are unparalleled.

What's your best Coach Hershelman memory from all of high school?

Man. This is hard to choose because I have so many that would work. I am going to have to go with receiving post cards that Coach sends every month or so. The most impactful post card I've received is currently hanging on my wall and looks me in the eye every time I sit down at my desk to get work done: "I think you can get to a spot where you believe you can win every race you enter. Train until you have no doubt."  

And, what's your favorite athletic memory from high school thus far?

I'm definitely going with the state 800 my junior season of track. I had a nasty headcold that I couldn't shake, and honestly didn't know what to expect going into the race. I was ranked 17 in state for the 800, so anything was possible.  I probably looked pretty miserable warming up because of having to blow my nose every 10 seconds, but I was ready to throw down. We were lined up in the usual three or four guys to an alley.  The gun cracked and we were off and running. I believe I could have run a second faster, because for the first 100 meters, I was plain running (not sprinting, like I usually do). It occurred to me at around 50 meters that oh wait, I'm in a race, and I sped it up.  I raced on the outside for the first lap, waiting to make my move. The time for that eventually came at around 350 meters, and I pulled into third position. I couldn't believe where I was, and  I wanted more than anything to hold on until the end. With 100 meters left to go, I was unfortunately passed by two people, but still ended up taking 5th overall in 3A. I stumbled off the track in disbelief of what had just happened.  My legs hurt more than any 800 I had run (because I had just run a new PR of 1:59.4). The time eventually came to receive my medal, which I gladly took when it was handed to me. It was after this race that I knew the 800 was my calling for track.  

Do you have any goals on the table for this spring that you're willing to share with us?

I do! This spring I would like to run 1:55 in the 800, and run under 4:30 in the 1600. My coach has told me that I'm slated for three 3200's, so I would like to try to break 10 in that. More importantly than anything, I'd like to make it to state in the 800 again and try to get top three.