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Oct. 1, 2004

With the 2004 cross country season underway, GoZags.com spent a few minutes with the Bulldogs lone senior on the women's side - Jessica Hermens. A double major in political science and elementary education, Hermens gave us her insight on this year's team, some individual teammates and what the future holds for this native of Albany, Oregon.

Q: With the 2004 season underway what are your thoughts on the team at this point of season and what expectations do you have for the squad at this year's WCC Championships?

I think the team is doing amazing. We got four new girls recently and when combined with the rest of the team, I think we have something really good. I am excited for how well we have done thus far, and think that each girl is going to have one of their best seasons yet, making for a great race against University of Portland and Santa Clara at Conference (our two biggest rivals). Our goal is to get third place, but it would be wonderful to do better.

Q: As the lone senior on this year's team have you taken any additional leadership roles on the team that may be different from year's past?

Not really, we have a really close team and we all have equal standing, although I do have stories and information to share on past races and courses. So I just try to be a reference for the other girls.

Q: Running cross country at Gonzaga has given you the opportunity to travel to several different parts of the country. What has been your favorite course to run on during your GU career?

I actually really like the course at Spokane Falls Community College, although we have been on a variety of courses in Montana, Idaho, Washingon, Indiana and after this weekend Oregon. I like SFCC for its flatness and stretch along the Centennial Trail that makes for some spectacular views. It is also a good course in that you can see your teammates, wherever they may be, throughout the race.

Q: You are currently on track to graduate with a degree in political science and elementary education. Which of those are you more likely to follow for your career path - politics or education?

I think in the near future I will be headed towards elementary education in some sort of volunteer corp. I student teach this spring, so that may be the real determinate in what I do. I have decided that politics are not really my strong point, but I think I would enjoy a career in some sort of non-profit organization.

Jessica Hermens is currently a double major in political science and elementary education. She is looking to go into volunteer work upon graduation this spring.

Q: With the television world in the current state of Reality TV is the in thing - let's put your political skills to a test. Which of your current teammates (male or female) would have the best chance of winning the following reality shows and who would be the first one kicked off one of these shows?

Survivor
Winner: Nellie Ballou- she is pretty rough and tough
First One Out: Joe Manning- umm, he would struggle in the wild

The Apprentice
Winner Jill Semenza- She can really put on that business charm
First One Out: Gabe Hayden- I think Survivor is more his cup of tea

Fear Factor
Winner: Jeff Rigby- He'll do anything!
First One Out: Molly Follen- She really won't

Q: Now that you have singled out your teammates. Which one of these shows would Coach Swaim do the best on?

Survivor- Coach Swaim would be the skinny guy running around the island in his extremely short running shorts. He is quite personable and may even have what it takes to win.

Q: You are originally from Albany, Oregon. What attracted you to attend Gonzaga?

I liked Gonzaga for how friendly everyone seemed when I visited the campus my senior year of high school. I was also attracted to the size of the school, its distance from my home and its drier weather- or so I was told it rained less here than in Oregon, but lately I am beginning to doubt that.

Q: As a high school athlete you lettered in cross country, track and swimming. Although you currently compete in cross country - which of these sports would you list as your favorite?

Cross country because long distance running is spectacular! Where else do you get to run on and see beautiful sights, plus be outside. You are running for yourself, along with running for your team. Swimming was more of a conditioning sport for me, and running around the track can get really old really fast.

Q: Cross country runners often listen to music to motivate them while they are on training runs. What type of music do you listen to in order to get you through your training sessions?

I barely listen to music while I run, but if I am by myself I will sometimes listen to some upbeat pop. I find runs a good time to think. Or on long easy days when I am running with the team or another person it is a great time to talk. On workout runs I usually concentrate on what I am doing, or have some song I heard earlier in the day repeating itself in my head.

Q: Last question - with graduation on the horizon, what does life after Gonzaga have in store for Jessica Hermens?

I am thinking of volunteering next year in the Jesuit Volunteer Corp, but if not that then looking for a job or going to graduate school. I plan on looking into a job, but it is a low priority for me at the moment. I would much rather do some volunteering for a year or two and see what is out there. Plus, hopefully through volunteering I will finally realize what I want to do with the rest of my life and go on to graduate school from there.