Name: Kevin Long

Year: Senior

Major: Biology

Minor: Sports Psychology

Hometown: Goshen, N.Y.

High School: Goshen HS

Position: Top 7 Runner

When did you decide to start your sport?

I started running back in seventh grade.

Why did you choose to play your sport?

Ever since I could walk, I was a soccer player, and my coaches always said I had phenomenal stamina and speed as a winger. In middle school, Coach Lewis (the high school cross country coach) asked me to come out and try track and field in the spring of seventh grade. From then on, I fell in love with the sport and never turned back. I still love soccer and watch it religiously, as well as play, but my skill in running proved to be better than my skill with a soccer ball in the end.

Best sports memory at Wilkes?

My favorite memory in cross country is easily when the team finished in third place of 14 teams last year at the Queensborough Invitational in New York City. I was so happy and proud to see us compete as a true team and bring a trophy back to Wilkes.

Best non-sports memory at Wilkes?

My favorite non-sport memory is hard to decide on. I would have to say it is homecoming season when the campus is decorated and alumni come to visit.

Favorite thing to do during practice?

Core, at the end of practice, it teaches you when you’re already tired how to dig deeper and keep going.

Post-graduation plans?

Medical school, and then joining a sports medicine practice in my hometown.

Advice for underclassmen?

Take every moment in and make the most of it. These years at Wilkes are going to fly by faster than you think.

Favorite place to eat?

Catherines, a restaurant in Goshen.

What is one thing you cannot live without?

I cannot live without sports. For me, whether watching or participating, sports provide that time to get away from the common stressors in life.

Something no one knows about you?

What people don’t know about me is I tend to like sports teams not from my region. In football, I am a Denver Broncos fan, and soccer I am an LA Galaxy fan. However, I am indeed a Yankees fan, that being the only N.Y. team I am a fan of.

Most influential person in your life and why?

My father. He always has an answer to every question and has experience in just about everything. He’s a cancer survivor, and someone who truly lives life to make sure it is the best it can be everyday despite whatever the world throws at him. Lastly, he knows me better than myself, and with that, knows how to push me to be the best I can be in life.

Quote to live your life by?

“To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift.” – Steve Prefontaine

Anyone to give a shoutout to?

I’d like to give a shoutout to my girlfriend Morgan Serkes, who goes to Siena College. She’s always been there through the best and worst times and is the hardest working person I know. As well, I’d like to give a shoutout to Alanah Guerrero for being a mentor all four years I’ve been at Wilkes. Through her guidance, I’ve become the person I am today in more ways than one.

– Compiled by Ariel Reed, Co-Sports Editor