Interviews: Chad Bennett of DePauw
 (Photo courtesy of the Columbus Running Company)
Chad Bennett is currently a senior at DePauw University (Greencastle, IN). He garnered All-American status last year at the 2005 NCAA Division III Men’s 8k Cross Country Championships at Delaware, OH finishing 24th overall. He provisionally qualified in the 3k steeplechase during the 2006 Outdoor Track season having the 20th fastest time with a 9:19.36 at Butler’s Twilight Meet. He has PR’s of 3:59.94 in the 1500m, 15:14.62 in the 5k, and 24:54.70 in the 8k. He hopes to lead DePauw Men’s Cross Country back to the Division III National Championship meet after just missing out of a nationals berth last year with a 4th place finish at the Great Lakes Regional Meet.
By: Derick Lawrence and Keith Solverson (08/26/06)
Tell us a little bit about how you got started running.
I started out by playing soccer in high school. I converted to cross country after I talked to the head cross country coach. It helped that my brother was on the cross country team. The cross country team was really tight and I had a lot of friends on it too. High school cross country was defined by the team chemistry.
What were your PR’s in high school?
In cross country I ran a 16:21 in the 5k and in track my main event was the 1600 in which I ran a 4:30.
What was your training like in high school?
My mileage was about 45 miles per week during high mileage weeks.
What made you decide to go to DePauw University?
When I graduated from high school I wasn’t really sure if I wanted to continue to run. When I visited DePauw University I met with Coach Stoffregen and got a really positive feeling about the program. I met with the guys on the team and really clicked with them. I felt I would get the best out of both worlds in terms of athletics and academics. I would be able to get a great education and be able to compete on a nationally competitive cross country team.
Tell us about your progression from high school to now?
In high school as a freshman I was usually in the 18-19 minute range. By the time I was a senior I was the top runner on the team usually in the 16:20 range. When I came to DePauw as a freshman I wasn’t in really great shape. I listened to Coach Stoffregen and improved steadily just like in high school. Last year in cross country I placed 24th overall at the Division III Nationals. My mileage has progressed the same way as well. It has increased each year since my freshman year of high school.
Who/Whom has influenced you the most?
My mom and dad have been the biggest influences in my life. They are both hard working and have passed on that value to me. They have always told me, “Nothing is given; you have to work for it.” In running, I would have to say the upperclassmen on the team each of my first three years here at DePauw. Now that I am a senior I look up to Coach Stoffregen and the assistant coaches.
What are your goals for your senior season?
Some of my goals this season are to be a good captain and see improvements in all of my teammates. A team goal of qualifying for nationals and having our best race at nationals is important as well. It’s different running alone at nationals. I would like to also have my best race of the season at nationals.
What have your previous summers been like over the years (job, etc.)?
In the past I have been a groundskeeper back home, but that was tough on my training. Last year prior to my junior year I had a summer camp counselor job with a current teammate, Drew Wyant. It was also tough on my training and wasn’t really suited towards running. I came back home later that summer to work at a factory. This past summer I wanted to put running on the top of my priority list, so I stayed at DePauw and worked at the library here, Roy O. West Library. It was great to be in air conditioning throughout the day and I was able to run in the Nature Park here with some of my teammates each week.
Tell us about the bandana you wear a lot (see picture), is there a story behind it?
I’ve worn the bandana for quite sometime. It works best to keep my hair out of my face. I also think it looks cool and is intimidating.
What other activities do you like to do outside of running?
I play the guitar a lot and listen to music. I have a passion for music and like listening to mostly acoustic, folk rock, and Ryan Adams.
What’s the best road trip that you have ever been on?
I would have to say going to Eastern Pennsylvania with Drew.
Many people have wondered how you keep your hair in such great shape. So, what kind of conditioner do you use?
[Laughs] I use Head & Shoulders. It’s definitely the way to go.
What kind of car do you drive?
My first car was a 1990 Pontiac Grand Prix SE. It had 220,000 miles on it. Now, I drive a 1994 Chevy Blazer. It’s got a bad paint job, though.
What are your all-time favorite trainers and spikes?
Favorite trainers- Brooks Trance. I currently wear the Adidas Boston, though.
Spike- Zoom Waffle XC. Steeple spike- Adidas Adistar Steeple.
What are your plans after college?
Right now it’s up in the air. I would like to live in a big city, somewhere away from the Mid West.
What’s your major? Favorite professor?
I’m a communications major. I enjoy production. My favorite professor would have to be Ron Dye.
What’s your favorite sport to watch/play other than running?
Baseball
What do you like the most about DePauw University and the DePauw Cross Country Team?
I like DePauw for its small school feel. I feel that the individual attention is the greatest aspect of the school, which makes for a better learning environment. The DePauw Cross Country team is a great team environment. It has a family like atmosphere. I really enjoy the friendships on the team too.
Any parting words for readers?
Don’t take life too seriously. You always get the best results when you have fun.
Thanks to Chad for a great interview.
post comment
Chad Fucking Bennett
2:45 PM, September 27, 2007
.. Posted by Anonymous
Chad Bennett is a Badass and Keith Sloverson and Drock are awesome.
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