ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Annika Sison

When did you start running in organized cross-country?

Actually, it was by chance. Freshman orientation — I was there with my friend, and she mentioned cross-country. I (said) I was interested in doing that but didn’t know how. She told me, and I ended up liking it and doing it for four years.

What has become your favorite part of it?

I think definitely the people. I feel like running all these miles with people and waking up early every day of summer, going to running camps and staying overnight, you become really close to those around you. 

What goes through your mind in a race?

Before a race, I was the kind of person who was anxious — don’t talk to me. This year, I’ve really gotten more comfortable with it. I just try to be happy, because not a lot of people can run that fast. During the race, I don’t really think much. At the end, I think, “Man, all that hard work was worth something!”

What do you foresee in your future for running?
I think that I’ll always end up running. I went to the gym and thought, “This is so hard — I’d rather run 10 miles than do this.” I think that it’s made such a big impact on my life — I wrote a college essay about it — that it’ll always be a part of it.

Do you have a favorite class in school?

My favorite class right now is AP Government, because my teacher makes it so fun, and I’m not stressed about it. Also, all my friends are in that class. It doesn’t even feel like I’m going to class. It just feels like I’m going to hang out with my friends. Shout-out to Mrs. Powell.

What do you want to study in college?

I don’t think it’s going to be something science-related. It’s going to be something where I can live in any place I want. I want to be able to move without it being a big hassle.

Do you have any colleges you’re excited about?

I’m actually looking at a few schools in the North on the East Coast. I’m looking at all out-of-state ones. … I feel like if I didn’t try, then I’d really regret it.

What’s something not many people know about you?

I like to write song parodies. That’s kind of a weird hobby, but I don’t care.

What’s your favorite sport to watch?

I actually like watching track a lot. I like watching soccer, too, because — I’m  not going to lie — the players are really good-looking (laughs).

What is your favorite memory running for DP?

My favorite memory with my teammates would probably be the day we went to Clermont. There was the Clay Loop — it’s 10 miles. It was the day after a race, and our coach told us to just run however our legs could handle. We had a really good run. It was just a beautiful day. You could see mist over the trees. It was like winter — it felt like 50 degrees outside, and it was just great.