Healthy Cruz Ready to Compete
1/22/2016 6:02:00 PM | Women's Cross Country, Women's Indoor Track and Field, Features
Millersville, Pa. - When Shannon Cruz began running competitively, it wasn't because she was drawn to it. Rather, it was the Lancaster Catholic High School product's other interests that ultimately led her to the sport.
"The guy I had a crush on did track and he was a distance runner," said Cruz. "So that made my decision. And at my first high school track meet I ran the mile race and won."
Thinking she may have found her niche, Cruz decided to try cross country.
"I had a breakthrough cross country season senior year," Cruz said. "I brought home a state medal."
Despite all of her success, Cruz had no designs on competing at the college level. But when coaches continued to recruit her, Cruz began to reconsider, eventually landing at Millersville.
"I chose Millersville because of the distance from home (five miles), because I wanted to commute and I really liked the coaches" Cruz said. "Coach Andy (Young) really had great things to say about the campus and the team and he made me feel like I would make a significant impact on the team."
Cruz now competes for the Marauders in both outdoor and indoor track and field as well as cross country. Another factor in Cruz's decision was the art education program that Millersville had to offer.
"Growing up, I was always the child that did arts and crafts," said Cruz. "All I wanted to do was create things."
Cruz is pursuing her bachelor's degree in art with a focus on fine art metals as she enjoys working with jewelry. Cruz works for a local jewelry store where she designs wedding bands. Having the passion for art has certainly helped Cruz as she has been plagued by injuries that have caused the junior to miss significant competitive time.
"At first when I was diagnosed with a femoral stress fracture last March, I was devastated," Cruz said. "I was put on crutches for about a month, but I still hobbled my way to every track meet and practice for my team."
Figuring out how to cope with injuries was a challenge for Cruz, but with the help of her family, she has been able to push through.
"I stay positive during the rehabilitation process with the help of my family, friends and coaches," said Cruz. "I have a very wonderful support system."
Cruz is the middle child, having an older sister Stephanie and a younger brother Brandon. Like her parents, all are extremely supportive.
"There are zero athletic bones in both of their bodies," Cruz said. "My family is actually quite confused where I got it from."
Cruz competed in the last two cross country meets of the fall and paced the Marauders at the PSAC Championships finishing first for the team before being bit by the injury bug again. After getting good news recently about her injuries, Cruz is looking forward to competing this spring.
Cruz hopes to remain healthy and compete in the 1,500-, 5,000- and 10,000-meter runs in which she last competed in 2014-15.
"I am feeling great now. I am beyond blessed to have the opportunity to make a comeback."
Cruz's ultimate goal is to make the NCAA Championship in either track or cross country and with a fresh mindset, she believes it is very attainable.
"I believe anything can happen if you set your mind to it and take care of yourself."
"The guy I had a crush on did track and he was a distance runner," said Cruz. "So that made my decision. And at my first high school track meet I ran the mile race and won."
Thinking she may have found her niche, Cruz decided to try cross country.
"I had a breakthrough cross country season senior year," Cruz said. "I brought home a state medal."
Despite all of her success, Cruz had no designs on competing at the college level. But when coaches continued to recruit her, Cruz began to reconsider, eventually landing at Millersville.
"I chose Millersville because of the distance from home (five miles), because I wanted to commute and I really liked the coaches" Cruz said. "Coach Andy (Young) really had great things to say about the campus and the team and he made me feel like I would make a significant impact on the team."
Cruz now competes for the Marauders in both outdoor and indoor track and field as well as cross country. Another factor in Cruz's decision was the art education program that Millersville had to offer.
"Growing up, I was always the child that did arts and crafts," said Cruz. "All I wanted to do was create things."
Cruz is pursuing her bachelor's degree in art with a focus on fine art metals as she enjoys working with jewelry. Cruz works for a local jewelry store where she designs wedding bands. Having the passion for art has certainly helped Cruz as she has been plagued by injuries that have caused the junior to miss significant competitive time.
"At first when I was diagnosed with a femoral stress fracture last March, I was devastated," Cruz said. "I was put on crutches for about a month, but I still hobbled my way to every track meet and practice for my team."
Figuring out how to cope with injuries was a challenge for Cruz, but with the help of her family, she has been able to push through.
"I stay positive during the rehabilitation process with the help of my family, friends and coaches," said Cruz. "I have a very wonderful support system."
Cruz is the middle child, having an older sister Stephanie and a younger brother Brandon. Like her parents, all are extremely supportive.
"There are zero athletic bones in both of their bodies," Cruz said. "My family is actually quite confused where I got it from."
Cruz competed in the last two cross country meets of the fall and paced the Marauders at the PSAC Championships finishing first for the team before being bit by the injury bug again. After getting good news recently about her injuries, Cruz is looking forward to competing this spring.
Cruz hopes to remain healthy and compete in the 1,500-, 5,000- and 10,000-meter runs in which she last competed in 2014-15.
"I am feeling great now. I am beyond blessed to have the opportunity to make a comeback."
Cruz's ultimate goal is to make the NCAA Championship in either track or cross country and with a fresh mindset, she believes it is very attainable.
"I believe anything can happen if you set your mind to it and take care of yourself."
Players Mentioned
Distance
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Thursday, May 11
PSAC Track & Field Championships Preview with Coach Andy Young
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Highlights: 40th Millersville Metrics
Tuesday, April 04
Highlights: Millersville's PSAC Track & Field Championships
Monday, May 16
