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DyeStat Features
Renee Gunning -
a series on the development of a distance star
Part 5
Next stop: Villanova
The Summer Between; Preparing to Meet Expectations
by Don Rich, publisher of DyeStatPA
Josianne Lauber and Renee Gunning at the Mideast Championships in Ohio, November 1999
Renee Gunning's second place finish at the prestigious Golden West Invitational the week before Footlockers was the perfect end to a stellar high school career. Her 4:54.3 was a PR, and she defeated some of the country's top runners. "It was the highlight of the year, but I was tired. I really needed a break before starting my training for cross country. But it was a really hard decision not to go to Footlockers."
So she called it a career.
Renee took a two week break that she said seemed to last forever. She started her college training in July.
Villanova told Renee that they were especially pleased with her late season 2:11 800 split at States. They now project her to run the 800 and up, which in college, makes her a valuable asset to both the cross country and track teams. Actually, when Renee signed with Villanova in October, many of the other recruits were running better track times. "But I really picked it up my senior year, in cross and in track. Whichever one I'm running is my favorite."
Probably one of Renee's greatest assets is her potential. Never really doing more than 20 or 25 miles a week during high school gives her coaches a tremendous upside for gradually increasing her distance.
But her first week of training was a bit of a surprise, when she started at just twelve miles. By mid-August, she was above 40 miles for the first time in her life. The runs are made easier by joining with a running club once a week, and by an early August visit from friend Josianne Lauber.
"I have been running a few two-a-days in order to increase my mileage. After a morning run, by night, I don't feel like I have run at all. At the end of the week when you add it up, you don't realize you have run that amount. But it definitely feels like more mileage."
Renee feels that because of her low mileage high school career, she should be able to improve a lot in cross country. She says she was really not worked that hard in high school and stayed injury free. "The coaches believe I should improve quickly."
Renee exudes confidence in those coaches, Gina Procaccio, recently named the Women's Head Coach, and miler legend Marcus O'Sullivan, the program's Head Coach. "Gina is awesome. She really knows what she is doing. I even think (All-Americans) Carrie (Tollefson) and Carmen (Douma) will be around to help this year."
"The main thing they want from us is to come to school fresh. Their top priority is getting to and doing well at NCAA's in November."
Villanova has a young team that may very well surprise many on their way to a third consecutive appearance at nationals, to be held this year on November 20 in Ames, Iowa. "We are young, but in the next few years, we expect to be a powerhouse. And it's going to start this year, because we're going to be strong."
Renee says she hopes they want her to contribute as a freshman. Her personal goals are to be in the top seven, and to regularly contribute to the scoring (top five).
But Renee doesn't take her performance for granted. In fact, she has it all in perspective.
"When I was in 9th grade, the times of the girls looked so fast. But by my senior year, I was running those times. And my (high school) times now are comparable with the high school times of some of the girls who have gone on to become All-Americans."
As for her new teammates, Renee has nothing but incredible respect.
"I know there will be lots of pressure. We will be competitive with each other. We all are training hard. And we all want to go out there an win."
"The big difference with high school is that everybody is as serious as you are. In fact, my roommate (Rebecca Mitchell, IL), went to Footlockers four straight year. I'm not even a walk-on, and I'm scared for my first practice."
A few nerves before going onto the big stage for the first time should be expected at any level. But Renee Gunning is ready.
"I feel really strong, but I'm getting antsy and anxious to race. The only thing I'm a little scared of is that I'll forget how to race. But it all comes back to you on the starting line."
Renee has also spent the summer putting to rest any remaining doubts brought on by her 1999 race at XC States.
But that shouldn't take her too long. Not with the expectations she has for herself. Expectations which she should meet because of the work she is willing to do to get there.
Her long-term dreams for her budding Villanova career are to be an NCAA champion in an event. "They have such a tradition. If anyone will take me there, it's Villanova."
She also wants to stand atop the podium at NCAA's in cross country.
And she wants to compete in an Olympics.
So how will Renee Gunning get to where she wants to be?
"I do what they say I have to do."
But first things first, according to Renee.
"I can't wait to put that uniform on!" **************************
2000 Villanova Women's Schedule
Thursday, September 7, Haverford Frolic, Haverford College, PA
Friday, September 15, Haverford Invitational, Haverford College, PA
Saturday, September 30, LaSalle Invitational, Belmont Plateau, Philadelphia
Saturday, October 7, Paul Short Invitational, Lehigh University
Saturday, October 14, NCAA Pre-Nationals, Iowa State University, Ames
Friday, October 27, Big East Championships, Boston
Saturday, November 11, NCAA Regional Championships, Easton, PA
Saturday, November 18, IC4A & ECAC Championships, Van Cortlandt Park, NYC
Monday, Novemer 20, NCAA Championships, Iowa State University, Ames
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