Runner strives for team recognition

Cabrini's cross country and track team. Schauster is also proud to have the title of treasurer for the Student Athletic Advisory Committee. He enjoys being a part of a team that can push him to fulfill challenges he could not accomplish on his own.

Schauster was the senior captain of his high school track and cross country team at East Catholic High School in Manchester, Conn. His running career was put on hold for two years after he graduated high school. He was urged to stop running to ease the pressure off his knees that was causing injury. When it came time to look for colleges, track was not a priority for Shauster since he didn't think he would ever run competitively again, however the road led him to pursuing what he loves most in life.

Schauster was encouraged to get back into running while at Cabrini when he became good friends with some team members of Cabrini's track and cross country team. This past fall semester Schauster was an addition to the cross country team.

Last summer Schauster put himself through intense training to get himself ready for the team this fall. While lifeguarding at a local lake during the summer, Schauster and a few coworkers would challenge each other to swim from one end of the lake to the other. Swimming was more beneficial to begin training than running since his knees needed to be eased back into it. This was the beginning of his training to get his body ready to hit the road running. Now Schauster claims to be in the best shape of his life.

Head coach Tom O'Hora acts as a mentor for him by motivating

O'Hora has a unique way ofrelating running to everyday things.

"A lot of O'Hora's training methods relate to life. Now, to me running is more than a sport, it is a part of my life," Shauster said.

Long distance running is what Schauster prefers. In track he runs the 3,000 meter event, just under two miles. He runs approximately a six-minute mile.

The t\:am atmosphere is what Schauster enjoys most at Cabrini. This year as a junior joining the team he feels that he belongs.

Learning to balance school, work, and practice has been challenging but Schauster finds it's worth it. "These past two semesters have been the busiest, but two of the best semesters. I feel better about myself, because I'm proud of what I've accomplished," Schauster said.

As a member of the SAAC, Schauster has been urging the on Cabrini's campus. SAAC is an origanization that helps studentathletes get the most of their experiences. SAAC believes that by having a track it will not only make training fOJ the team more assemble, but will gain recognition for the team. "We don't get enough support from the school;' Schauster said.

Schauster also believes that with a track on the campus prospective students who do field events in track such as the javelin, shot-put, or discus would be attracted to join the team. Even though Cabrini's team is track and field there are only runners on the team. The team is is welcoming any field event members to join. It is never too late to expand Cabrini's program and improve its rankings.