The University News

Issue date: 9/10/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: UMKC Athletics Jessica Scott

Senior Jessica Scott, a nursing major, began running competitively more than nine years ago. She had no idea her fun-loving spirit and dogged determination would somehow form a partnership in the grueling sport of cross country. The energetic senior now uses the off-shoot from this odd enterprise to manage a very busy life which, not surprisingly, keeps a pretty fast pace.

"Cross country develops your character and strength; you push your body to the limit every day," Scott said. "The discipline and the sacrifice I have to give make me stronger mentally and physically."

Scott uses this strength to survive a very difficult schedule. On clinical days, she begins at 7 a.m. and ends at 7 p.m. She knows this is part of achieving her ultimate goal.

"I've always wanted to do something in the medical field," Scott said. "I love taking care of people and working with people in need."

Aside from her class and clinical time, Scott finds time to run about 80 miles per week. The number will soon grow to 90.

Not to worry though - the all-conference performer says workouts will be tapered back to 55-60 miles per week toward the end of the season.

"The body is so amazing and you can push it far beyond what people think," Scott said.

This season, Scott hopes to parlay her training into continued success.

"I would like to repeat as an all-conference selection as well as be in the top 30 at regionals," Scott said. "To break 18 on a cross country course would also be pretty cool."

These are seemingly amazing goals considering Scott claims to have "hated cross country until last year."

"It was a necessary evil for track because it makes you better [at everything else]," Scott said. "I finally just got used to it after seven years and now I love it."

So what does the Illinois native enjoy doing in her downtime? She says mostly things pretty typical of a college student with a heavy workload.

They include things such as watching movies, spending time with friends and the occasional reading of a good book.

"I like movies because you can get away from your everyday life and enjoy something else for a while," Scott said. "I also really like the Harry Potter books but I haven't had time to read the whole series."

Scott plans to attend graduate school somewhere in the Midwest region when her time at UMKC is through. It is certain she will keep her tremendous pace in future endeavors, using the lessons of running to help get her through life.

Will she keep up her running pace though?

"Running is part of who I am," Scott said. "I don't think I could ever get rid of it - it's stuck now."

mfoust@unews.com

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