Sept. 16, 2011
Nashville, Tenn. –
Meet one of the new faces of the Commodore Cross Country team, who will be competing in the Commodore Classic this coming Saturday at Percy Warner Park, starting at 8:45am CT.
Claire Benjamin, freshman from Richmond, Va.
What are you most excited about with this Commodore Classic race coming up Saturday?
The chance to really run as a team and try to run as a pack again, because the pack is a really strong aspect of our team. To get a really good feel for our home course at Percy Warner is really exciting because we’ll be racing there so much.
What have you worked on since last race?
I don’t think there’s anything specific for this race this weekend but just trying to get stronger for a distance longer than a 4K. Just building strength and working as a team.
The team is really close this year; what do you think about the team dynamics?
I love it, not only just with the freshmen girls but the older girls are so supportive and so understanding. They’re so good about talking to you about anything they may have gone through their freshman year that they can relate to. There’s just a general positive attitude that is spread throughout the team, and you can tell we’re all really excited about this season.
What was the best advice the upper classmen have given you so far?
Just to take things a day at a time, a race at a time, not stress if things aren’t as perfect as you want them to be.
What do you like most about Vandy?
Besides the great group of girls on the team, I actually really like my classes so far. I’m enjoying them. And the campus as a whole, and I love the football games and how the school really pulls together and is so excited. The whole Vanderbilt pride thing is really cool.
What does it mean to be a Commodore?
I guess it means working hard and doing your best, whether it’s classes or sports or whatever is your thing, going for it 100% and having fun.
Hardest thing you’ve had to deal with since you got here?
Finding my way through the Stevenson building.
What most impresses you about your coaches?
How personable they are. It’s really great that they’ll listen to you so individually and work with you and I guess really pay attention to how you’re feeling and what’s best for you and what’s best for the team and their positive attitudes too.