Written by Melissa Wallace '11
Ewing, NJ ... Hard work, dedication, endurance, and commitment are character traits that are often coveted, but seldomly realized. For cross country runners T.J. Bocchino and
Michelle Wallace, however, they live and breathe those qualities.
The quest begins in the summer. With hardly any breaks during the year, it's a constant build-up of strength and stamina that carries Bocchino and Wallace through their workouts –anywhere between 60-80 miles per week. By the start of The College of New Jersey cross country season, they need to be in shape –both mentally and physically. They need to be ready for every course, every obstacle, and every event that their season throws in front of them.
Maybe that's the reason why Bocchino and Wallace qualified for the 2009 NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships.
Bocchino, now a junior, was a freshman who showed great promise coming into the College. Since then, he has matured and become a stronger runner under the tutelage of head coach Philip Jennings. Jennings believes that Bocchino has evolved due to his determination and drive. The team's leading runner reduces the key to his success in a simple, yet profound statement.
“You gotta work hard all year to get yourself in tip top shape,” said Bocchino, who placed 24th overall out of 264 competitors at the NCAA Atlantic Region Championship, earning him a national qualifying spot.
The Division III National Championships will be held at Baldwin-Wallace College in Highland Hills, Ohio at the Highland Hills Golf Course on Saturday, November 21. Both Bocchino and Wallace are seeking their 1st All-American citation. To do this they must place within the top 35 competitors.
Wallace, now a senior, has consistently improved since her freshman year at TCNJ. Jennings says that Wallace's success has come from her ability to know how to step it up when she needs to. She is driven, hardworking, and focused, and under Jenning's direction, is one step away from achieving her individual goal of earning All-American honors.
“I worked really hard this season,” said Wallace, “I followed the directions coach gave me. I kept up a pretty high mileage. I slept well. Ate well. I did all the little things.” Wallace's 8th place performance at the Atlantic Region Championship secured her a qualifying spot for the national championship competition.
“These guys have been there before,” said Jennings, “They're certainly experienced enough to know what they need to do. They need to go in there and race and just have a good time.”
Jennings notes that the experience at this national championship is going to be different from what Bocchino and Wallace are used to from years' past. Because neither Lions' cross country team qualified for nationals, Bocchino and Wallace will be competing as individuals for the first time all season.
“You're used to relying on your teammates to sort of pull through,” said Jennings,” So it's a little different and a little different for them in terms of their approach to it.”
Maybe a little change is all they need.
