Rebecca Cronin is only in her second season with the NIU track team, but she has already contributed to three school records since joining the program. Her achievements include school records in the distance medley relay, 4×200 meter relay and the 4×800 meter relay.

Cronin found time to speak with the Northern Star on her track career and experiences.

Northern Star: When did you become involved in track?

Rebecca Cronin: I first started doing track in my senior year of high school.

NS: What made you choose track?

RC: I played soccer through all of high school, and I wasn’t getting any playing time with the coach I had. I decided to join track because I had a lot of friends involved in it.

NS: When you first joined, did you ever expect to be as far as you are now with the sport?

RC: No, not at all. I started out just for fun, because my friends were in it, and then I found out I was really good at it and got me to a D-I college.

NS: You also played basketball for all four years at Bartlett High School. What sports did you originally enjoy playing the most?

RC: I would have to say it is between either basketball or soccer; they are pretty much tied.

NS: How much do you enjoy track, now that it is a major part of your life?

RC: Track is a whole new experience for me, and I’m glad I got into this sport. I’ve met a lot of new friends and really cool people through it.

NS: What events do you run this season?

RC: Well, I came as a triple jumper, but I don’t do that anymore. Right now I’m in the 800, or 400 hurdles and the 4×4.

NS: What are your favorite events to run in meets?

RC: Right now my favorite events are definitely the 800 and the 4×4.

NS: What is the most memorable meet you’ve competed in?

RC: That would have to be the Drake Relays last year. It was the first time I ran the 800. I did really well at the event.

NS: There is a lot of traveling for all of your meets; how difficult is it to balance schoolwork while on the road for days at a time?

RC: I think we can get a lot of work done on the bus if you want to, and it’s nice that we mostly travel weekends, and we can work our class schedules around the events during the week.

NS: Do you enjoy all the travel that your team does?

RC: Traveling is the best part; there are always new experiences. We were just in San Diego over spring break; it was great.

NS: When you’re away, like in San Diego, how much free time do you get to enjoy the area?

RC: I would say a lot. Our coach definitely likes to treat us and take care of us; obviously shopping a lot with all the girls.

NS: So with the outdoor season now underway, what’s the major difference between the indoor and outdoor events?

RC: Well, we train for indoor. But when outdoor events begin we definitely are starting to peak and that’s when we can do all of our record breaking.

NS: So you would probably prefer outdoor instead of indoor?

RC: Yeah, I would say outdoor. I’m sure everyone would prefer outdoor.