Kelsey Bumgarner - Whitworth Sports Information Intern

Hailing from Bedford, Iowa, sophomore Nick Gallagher is a cross-country runner at Whitworth. Gallagher majors in Pre-Physical Therapy and Health/Fitness Physical Education, and minors in coaching. In the 2008 season, Gallagher has led the team by earning third place at the PLU Invite and 14th overall out of 301 runners at the Willamette Invitational. He will be competing in the NWC Championships in Walla Walla, Wash. on Nov. 11th.

Q: Why did you start running cross country?
A: My dad was a distance runner in high school and college, so when he went to fun runs over the summer, I'd tag along and run too. Turned out I enjoyed it so I continued running and he became the XC coach at my school.

Q: What were your reasons for coming to Whitworth?
A: Well... I'm from Iowa, and it's a little boring there sometimes, so when I was looking for colleges my criteria were, non-Midwest, not too big of a city, have a good cross country team, and that it have a good academic reputation. Whitworth fit and now I'm here

Q: On average, how many miles do you run in one week of training?
A: Summer: 60ish; Midseason: 70ish

Q: What Whitworth professor has influenced you the most? Why?
A: Toby Schwarz, with his down to earth attitude and great humor, he'll make you realize how stupid what you did last night was while still making you laugh. And if you don't do what he says in practice... you're wrong. (Track people, you should get that :-)

Q: What music is on your favorite play list?
A: Basically top forty both past and present. my favorite song is "Gaston" from Beauty and the Beast

Q: What is one of your biggest pet peeves?
A: really long but easy homework

Q: What are your current plans after graduating from Whitworth?
A: Go to grad school for Physical therapy and find a team of some sort near the school to coach at.

Q: Cats or dogs?
A: Dogs, they make better running partners