HOBOKEN, N.J. (NOVEMBER 19, 2015) – Freshman Mary Visca of the Stevens Institute of Technology women's cross country team will be competing at the NCAA cross country Championships Saturday.
                                                                                                
Before departing for Wisconsin, Visca was able to answer some questions in different areas.
 
Q: What made you choose Stevens?
A: The combination of strong academics and athletics, the prime location, and the unique chemical biology major.
 
Q: How long have you been running cross country?
A: This is my seventh year of running cross country.
 
Q: What's been the greatest accomplishment thus far (at Stevens or previously)?
A: Qualifying for NCAA's!
 
Q: How has the training programs and workouts helped you reach the NCAA Championships?
A: Because our workouts are mostly done at goal 5K/6K pace, they have really helped prepare me mentally and physically for racing.
 
Q: At the beginning of the season, what individual and team goals did you set?
A: Our two main team goals were to win Empire 8's and qualify for Nationals as a team.  An individual goal of mine was to break 18:00 min in the 5K.
 
Q: What's your favorite part about being a student-athlete here at Stevens?
A: Balancing academics and athletics is the most difficult part of being a student athlete here, but it's also the most rewarding; it gives me confidence and purpose. 
 
Q: Who has been the most influential person during your athletic career?
A: Definitely my mom.  In high school she went to almost every single one of my meets and still comes to the vast majority of them.
 
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
A: I see myself doing research, possible attending graduate school, and hopefully still running.
 
Q: What is top thing on your current bucket list?
A: Going to see a Buffalo Sabres (my favorite team) game at MSG.
 
Q: If you could invite four people to a dinner party, who would they be?
A: Steve Martin, Neil Peart, Ray Bradbury, and my brother.
 
The women's 6K race goes off at 12 p.m. at Lake Breeze Golf Club in Winneconne, Wis. Visca was a two-time Empire 8 Conference runner of the week selection, and is the second female in program history to qualify for national meet.
 
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