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Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302
(article posted by Lauren Brightmore, Student Sports Information Assistant)

Sept. 27, 2010 - Amanda Laesch returns to North Central College this season with the hopes of leading her team to the NCAA Division III National Championship meet—a feat that hasn't been done since 2006. Majoring in International Business with a full course load, Amanda has made a name for herself both on campus and on the field. Last season, Laesch came in 20th place at the NCAA Division III Midwest Regional, securing her an individual spot at the NCAA Division III National Championships.

This season Laesch has continued to build momentum from her previous successes. On Sept. 9, Laesch raced at the University of Wisconsin Badger Classic, placing fourth overall with an impressive time of 14:31 for the 4,000-meter (2.4-mile) course. That race helped her earn Runner of the Week honors from the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin. On Sept. 17 at the Illinois Intercollegiate Championships, Laesch finished sixth out of a combined 330 runners from all divisions of collegiate competition, then placed fourth at the University of Minnesota's Roy Griak Invitational on Sept. 25.  In between practice and meets, Laesch is very visible around campus. Her contributions academically to North Central have been superb; she received the prestigious Richter Research Grant last year, spending her December Term in France while researching how refugees receive international protection. This fall her course work is based on social entrepreneurship.

Get to Know Amanda Laesch
Q: How did you feel about the team's performance at Illinois Intercollegiates this past weekend?
A: Overall, we were happy. We've been working harder and doing more at practices than in years past. I can tell from our practices that there still is a lot more to come.

Q: You placed sixth overall, second for Division III; how did you feel about your own performance?
A: I was really happy because we had been working so hard at practice. During the race I didn't know exactly where I was among other runners, so I was pleasantly surprised with my finish.

Q: I know you have had to deal with numerous injuries and illnesses throughout your past cross country seasons. What kind of work did it take to get back to being one of the top cross country athletes in the country?
A: Well, a year ago I was swimming half the time, and so I worked on getting stronger. I made sure I was taking care of the little things. This past summer I dedicated myself to training and put a lot of effort into my workouts. I was very intentional about the little things I did to stay strong and healthy.

Q: Being a student-athlete requires a great deal of discipline and time-management. How are you able to balance being both a student and an athlete?
A: I think I've just learned how to balance things over time. I try to do the best in whatever I am committed to. I'm a student first and I understand what that means, so I take academics very seriously.

Q: What on-campus activities have you been involved with besides cross country?
A: Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), International Club and Focus. I studied abroad in Spain for two terms my sophomore year, and I also interned with World Relief in Aurora.

Q: How would you say your experiences overseas have impacted you as a person?
A: The experiences broadened my perspective on life in general, and helped me define who I am. It also reminded me of what people mean to you once you're gone. Stepping away from my family, Naperville, and North Central, helped me appreciate that there is nothing quite like being with the people that mean the most to you.

Q: You also received the prestigious Richter Grant, studying the international protection of refugees in France over December Tem. How did you become involved in that?
A: I have always been interested in different cultures and service work. Through my internship with World Relief in Aurora, I met some refugees there. After getting to know them, I decided I wanted to do a research project on the international protection process for refugees. I talked to North Central's Department of Ministry and Service, and then built the project from there.

Q: What is the best advice you have been given in regards to your sport?
A: I think being told not to take things for granted, and realizing what you have. Don't be scared to take chances; you never know what can happen. When competing don't over think, just let yourself go and enjoy it.

Q: As a team captain, what is your general assessment of the team's performance so far?
A: They are doing awesome. This young group takes things seriously especially with the huge workload they are doing. I'm confident this will be a great season. I think it's cool to see how the program is building, and that people are individually stepping it up.

Q: In terms of goals where would you like to be individually and as a team at the end of the season?
A: For the team, we want to go to nationals. My freshman year was the first time the whole team made it to nationals, and I think we just want to get to that point again. But also winning conference is a major priority. Personally, it's important for me to do well; I want to be an All-American, but I also want to race stronger and pass people at the end as opposed to getting passed. No regrets.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of cross country?
A: The team aspect. Cross country is individually and team-oriented, and everyone grows really close. It's cool to see how the closeness builds—something unique to cross country. Also, I like that every course is different.

Q: What is your advice to first-year student-athletes as they begin their seasons and the school year?
A: Really start plugging into the program right away. Trust your coaches, and think about what you can do for the team. Always be looking to learn and commit yourself to the program. Stay in school, go to class, get your work done early.