Army West Point Athletics
Black Knight Spotlight - John Mickowski
September 06, 2007 | General
1. What does it mean to you to be able to run cross country at West Point?
Running cross country at West Point kind of makes me feel like I am in an elite club of people. There are not too many people out there that can get out and run 10-15 miles a day regardless of weather, rest, etc.
2. What is the best thing about being an athlete at West Point?
The best part about being an athlete at West Point is the bond that you get with your teammates. I don’t know about other teams here but my teammates are pretty close to family.
3. What is the most difficult thing?
The most difficult thing about being an athlete is giving your body the proper amount of rest. If you don’t rest it doesn’t matter how hard you work you will not make progress.
4. What is your fondest sports memory that you have had since arriving at West Point?
Winning the IC4A championship in the mile.
5. What adjustments have you had to make since arriving here?
a. Socially
I have had to sacrifice a lot of my social life in order to be a competitive athlete here. I would say almost all of my weekends in the past 3 years have
been taken up, mainly due to practice or competitions.
b. Athletically
I have had to learn when I need to rest more as opposed to when I need to go hard.
c. Academically
Study harder.
6. Why did you decide to come to West Point? What were some of the deciding factors? Who or what influenced your decision?
I decided to come mainly for the challenge and that I wanted to join the army after high school. My coach recruited me a bit and that helped seal the deal for me to come here.
7. What do you enjoy doing during your “down time”?
Sleeping, bowling, hanging out with friends.
8. Which branch are you planning on entering following graduation?
I am planning to branch Field Artillery.
9. What makes athletes at West Point unique from athletes at other schools?
The cadet aspect I’m sure is the biggest difference.
10. What is the best thing about being a cadet?
Graduation.
