By: by Whitney Keller
Each week the Kennesaw State Sports Information Department will feature a student-athlete to profile in a fun way in order for fans to get know their favorite players. This week, junior Whitney Keller spent a few minutes with KSU cross-country runner Nathan Haskins.
Haskins is a junior who has been running for the Owls cross-country team since his freshman year in 2006. He finished eighth in this year's Atlantic Sun Conference Championship on October 31 and has a pair of top-10 finishes this season. Although injured, Nathan traveled to all eight meets this fall, despite only competing in three of them, and provided great support and leadership to his teammates. He has a true passion for running and will probably be seen competing in a marathon sometime in the future.
OMW What is your favorite thing about cross-country?
I like the fact that the person that wins is not always the fastest, but instead the strongest. Pain is temporary; Glory is Forever.
OMW Do you have any post-college goals involving running?
Ever since I started running I have had an obsession with the marathon. There is just something about it that intrigues me to want to run one. I guess it’s the fact that not everyone can run one at the level I dream to. Olympic marathoner Emil Zapotek states it perfectly, "We are different, in essence, from other men. If you want to win something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon." Ultimately I would love to qualify for the Olympic Trials Marathon.
OMW Who is the most played singer/ band on your iPod?
Currently, it is Lil’ Wayne. I really like to listen to The Fray, Manchester Orchestra, Kings of Leon, and One Republic, as well.
OMW Where is your favorite place to eat?
This is easy, any place that fills me up. There are a couple of pretty good places around campus, I like a place where I can get a deal, because then my girlfriend can get her meal as well.
OMW How did you get started in cross-country?
Believe it or not I used to be a football player, but one day I got my clock rung so I decided to pick up another sport. Actually, I have always had great endurance. At football practice I looked more forward to wind sprints than getting hit. I did have coaches and friends who pushed me in this direction and I am so grateful for that.
OMW Who has been the most influential person in your life?
I would have to say my faith in God. Its what I personally lean on.
OMW What superpower do you wish you had?
If I could have one superpower it would be the ability to teleport. Obviously, I like getting from one place to the other as quickly as possible, so the ability to do that would be awesome.
OMW What movie have you watched a million times?
Shawshank Redemption and I don’t know why. It’s just a great story I guess! However, I did watch Rush Hour 2 three times in a row when I was a kid. (Haha!)
