Delaware Sports Blitz Interview: Delaware Tech’s Reese Lohman

Photo: Delaware Technical Community College

The Delaware Technical Community College student-athletes interviews are back!

The student-athlete we are featuring this week comes from Delaware Tech’s men’s cross-country team, which is Reese Lohman.

Loham talks about everything from what a typical day is like when the season is in full force to the best part of being on a team.

Check out it below!

Related:

Delaware Sports Blitz Interview: Delaware Tech’s Cassie Swift

How did you start playing sports?

“I started playing sports as early as I could and got into Little League baseball, which I’ve played all the way through last summer with American Legion. I wrestled in Middle School and got into running during my seventh-grade year. I ran through High School, and now I’m in my second season at Delaware Tech.”

What adjustments did you have to make from the jump from high school to college, regarding the sport you play?

“I had to adjust to the longer distance for college running, which meant I had to learn to pace myself differently during races. I’ve had to allow for more recovery time as well, and I’ve had to adjust my diet ahead of races too.”

How do you keep yourself in game shape in the off-season for your sport?

“During the off-season, I continue to run, I enjoy weightlifting and swimming.”

What is the best part of playing your particular position?

“Since there are no positions in cross country, my goal is to finish the race as quickly as possible to help my team’s overall scoring. “

What has a former or current coach taught you, that you still use today on or off the playing field?

“My high school cross-country coach always reminded us that “pain is only temporary.” So, when I’m tired, and my legs are burning during a race, I still push as hard as I can. There will be time to rest and recover later.”

What is a typical day for you when the season is in full force?

“For a meet, I carb load two days before, and then a light protein meal the night before. No eating after 8 p.m. for a morning run, and only liquids leading up to an hour before the race. On regular practice days, it’s just class and then practices that evening.”

What do you feel is your greatest strength?

“I think it’s just my willingness to fight through any type of adversity, keep a positive attitude, and be mentally and physically prepared to give my best effort.”

What do you feel you are weakest at and what do you work on to improve it?

“I’m not the fastest runner on the team, so during practices, I concentrate on my form and opening up my stride.”

Describe some of the highlights of your athletic career.

“In two of my seasons in high school, I was awarded the “Iron Eagle” for dedication and perseverance to the team. Last season at Delaware Tech, I was awarded the cross country “Sportsmanship Award ”and named to the All-Academic Team.”

What is the best part of playing on a team?

“You always have someone there to push you and support you through a long season.”

How do you stay motivated during the highs and lows of a season?

“It is a long season, so it’s important to take care of myself physically, but also to use the days off to get out and have fun too. Sometimes taking a mental break by going somewhere fun is the best way to come back refreshed and ready for the next challenge.”

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced and how did you overcome it?

“Unfortunately, I’ve always had health issues that sometimes make it tough to run at my fullest. To manage it, I really need to monitor my diet and my rest periods.”

In what ways, does playing a sport, help you with your studies?

“It has made me have to really manage my time better so that I can complete my assignments, and study for my exams. I know that I have to maintain a certain GPA for my scholarships, as well. So my studies have to be a priority.”

How would you like to be remembered by your teammates and coaches?

“I hope they remember me as a runner who gave them the best effort that I could, and I always maintained a positive attitude and supported my teammates throughout the season.”

Why did you choose to play at Delaware Tech?

“I wanted to continue running, but I wasn’t going to a big school or out of state. Delaware Tech had the graphics program that I wanted to take. Along with the SEEDScholarship and additional funds, I was able not to have to work and instead to run competitively with the Delaware Tech cross-country team.”