Cross-Country/Track and Field

3rd Team All-GLIAC Indoors in Distance Medley Relay (2008), All-State track (2005, 2007), State championship/state record (3200m Relay, 2007)

I chose Hillsdale because of its national reputation as a great institution. Hillsdale's size also proved to be a determining factor in my college decision--I find it essential to have the ability to approach a professor with questions and have them actually want to talk to you, even want to go out of their way to help. Beyond its academic advantages, which simply number too many to list, I loved the coaching staff here as well as the outstanding tradition held by the Charger Track and Cross- Country programs.

I love how being an athlete here does not set you apart from the rest of the student body, in part because so many Hillsdale College students participate on sports teams. Athletes still eat, attend classes, and live with the rest of the student body, and I think that is vital in developing relationships.

The balance between studies and athletics is key here at Hillsdale, for without it, one of the two will definitely suffer. This does not mean that you can't still have fun, though--studying and running cannot be the only things in student life.

Finishing as the top individual in my first cross-country meet as a Charger has been the greatest moment thus far at Hillsdale, but I don't want to let that be the best ever--you must always strive to improve.

aralston@hillsdale.edu