By John Bernstein
Sports Editor
Though only a freshman, Adam Pacheck has already compiled a list of accomplishments to make runners of all ages jealous.
A native of Baldwinsville, NY, Pacheck finished fourth for UR in his cross country debut and never looked back, consistently placing in the varsity top seven.
Pacheck excelled in races that most rookies would cringe at — namely, the New York State Conference Chamionships and the Regional Championships — and was the only rookie to make the trip to Waverly, Iowa to help represent UR at the Division III National Cross Country Championships.
It’s been more of the same for Pacheck this indoor season. After running his way to the “B” NYSCTC standard in the 3,000 -meters at the St. Lawrence University Invitational in early January (finishing fifth overall in 9:02.31), Pacheck won his first collegiate race this past weekend at the Hamilton Invitational in Clinton, NY.
In his first 5K ever on a track, the tall, lanky Pacheck utilized his long stride and smooth running form to nab the victory in 15:35.09, defeating senior captain Dan Lane (who finished second) and a host of other strong competitors by over 10 seconds. He was the only individual winner on the day for the Yellowjackets and just one of two UR men to meet the ECAC standard.
What is your major?
I’m a BME and physics double major.
Why did you choose to attend UR?
Besides the weather? I chose UR because it’s a great school academically, and I also really liked the campus and the people I met. There was also a really strong running program here.
Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions?
No, I don’t have any pre-race rituals or superstitions. I don’t believe in that stuff.
Are there any particular moments during your collegiate career that stand out as high points in your mind?
One moment that I really enjoyed in cross country was getting 15th place at the Oneonta Airfield Invitational last September, setting a personal best time in the 8K and really helping the team. There was some good competition there too.
I also loved going to Nationals in Iowa. The trip was an absolute blast, getting to travel across the country and race with all of the nation’s best. I had also never before seen so many cornfields.
Running against a seasoned and able guy like Dan [Lane], what was going through your head when you took over the lead and started to surge?
When I passed Dan, it was only because I realized we had slowed down for the last couple of laps. In order to hit the ECAC standard, I knew that we needed to pick up the pace. So I made the move, and I was hoping that Dan would come with me so we could both get good times and break away from the lead pack.
As the top freshman in cross country and the only newcomer to go to Nationals, how do you deal with the high expectations your team and coaches set for you week after week?
I don’t really feel like there is a ton of pressure. Or, if there is, I just tend to ignore it. In general, I like to keep everything in perspective. I keep doing my best and getting better so I can help the team.
What are your goals for the remainder of the season?
My goal is to meet the ECAC qualifying time in the 5K, as well as to run really fast at the state meet in a couple weeks at St. Lawrence.
Do you have a favorite professional distance runner?
It’s a toss-up between Tom Hanks (as Forrest Gump) and Jared from Subway. The two proved that you don’t have to be intelligent or even in that great shape in order to go the distance.
What’s the meaning of life?
The meaning of life is to be the best you can be and have fun while you are at it. Oh, and ice cream at Danforth. That’s a given.
Do you have a nickname on the team?
Yes. It’s Twiggy.
Bernstein is a member of
the class of 2014.
