Manchester University XC star learns to like long distances
Posted
Mark Adkins-
NORTH MANCHESTER – It may be hard to imagine, but there was a time when Manchester University cross country standout Mariah Jordan didn’t necessarily like to run long distances. “When I look back at my start in cross country and track and field, the biggest thing (I didn’t care for) was long distances,” she admitted with a laugh. “I actually enjoyed track and field with the shorter 5K events on down.” That’s all changed, however, much to the liking of Manchester University cross country fans. The reigning Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year and sophomore exercise science major from Fort Wayne is now putting in 50 miles a week and working toward 60. “I got to a point when I was competing (in middle and high school) where I thought ‘hey I need to work harder’ because I really wanted to succeed (in it),” she said. “So, during an offseason in high school, I just started running longer and longer in personal workouts.” She hasn’t stopped, either. “I like to run through neighborhoods where my mom and I live close by in Fort Wayne,” Jordan said of her current summer regimen. “I’ve been fortunate to not have too many injuries, so I’m aiming at 60 miles a week before this season starts (at MU).” Spartans head coach Brian Cashdollar knew what he had in Jordan early in her freshman season. His thoughts were correct as she earned all-NCAA Division III Great Lakes region honors by placing in the top 30, ended in the top five at the HCAC meet and ran program top-five career times in the 5K and 6K races. “You see many athletes working hard toward big goals,” Cashdollar said. “However, Mariah has the three traits that any coach wants to see – a great work ethic, a passion for the sport and a great attitude toward wanting to work harder to get better. “I’ve told her, and am telling her still, I still think she has a lot of untapped potential,” he added. “There is still more out there for her to accomplish.” A lot of what Cashdollar and previous coaches have seen from Jordan is due to her thirst for knowledge. “I’m asking (Coach Cashdollar) a million or so questions before we go to the line (in races),” she said. “I want to know a strategy for the team, where he wants to me to be to make my individual goals work, where should I need to be at certain marks on the course and so forth. “I’ve always been like that … no matter what the race,” she added. “It helps me shake the nerves off.” And to think, Jordan nearly didn’t go out for a sport at Summit Middle School. It took some gentle persuasion from her mom, Linda, to get her to try cross country. “It really stuck with me,” said Jordan. “It’s something I can do for a lifetime. I’ve seen people running and having success in marathons at age 60. I want to be at that point.” No doubt the miles will continue for Jordan to reach that goal, just as they do now.
