Hobart and William Smith Colleges

6 October 2011 DAddario setting records

Herons cross-country runner Emily DAddario13 set course records in each of the first three races of the season. While such a strong start is impressive for any runner, it is more unusual in DAddarios case because this is the first year she has ever run competitively. The former soccer players first race was the Seneca7 last spring and she became an official member of the cross-country team this year in time to win her first three races.

During the first race of the season at SUNY Institute of Technology, DAddario set a new course record of 19 minutes, 25 seconds. At the Hobart Invitational, she ran her way to a new course record of 22 minutes, 22 seconds, helping her team earn their fifth straight title. Then, at the Houghton Invitational, DAddario ran a personal best 5K time of 18 minutes, 19.86 seconds.

From Farmington, Conn., DAddario has been a soccer player for most of her life. During her college selection, she looked at William Smith in part for the successful soccer program. DAddario was a member of the Herons soccer team her first and sophomore years, but it was during the middle of her sophomore year that something changed: she got hurt.

It really put things into perspective for me, DAddario says. I knew I loved soccer but also realized that I wanted to try other things during my time here.

But why cross country? DAddario laughs, I had some friends who were running the Seneca7 last spring. They asked me to join their team and I said yes. It was my first race ever and I couldnt believe how much fun it was!

She says being part of the Heron cross-country team has been just as fun.

They were so welcoming to me when I joined. I still keep in touch with my soccer teammates too; they have been really excited for me. Everyone has been supportive of my decision to run cross country, she says. I never expected to this well, but I am enjoying every minute. Running is so calming and I love being outside.

Herons Cross Country Coach Jack Warner is pleased that DAddario joined the team. She leads by example and is a dedicated runner who is just learning the nuances of competitive running.

DAddario is already looking to the future. I think having goals is very important as it motivates me and holds me accountable. I will definitely do the Seneca7 again; it was the most fun day Ive ever had at school. I attended the first committee meeting and plan to be on the Seneca7 committee this year to help prepare for the event. I would encourage everyone to participate.

When she is not running, DAddario is busy working on her individually-created health sciences major. She is also a double minor in biology and psychology, taking challenging classes such as anatomy and biological psychology. This fall, she was inducted into the Laurel Society, the William Smith junior class honor society for women who demonstrated a commitment to the community. DAddario also works for the Admissions Office and has volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club. Her favorite thing to do on a fall day, other than running, is to get a hot chai latte from the Cellar Pub.