Lehman’s Amy Ruston, a junior cross country star with a 3.35 grade point average is clearly on a mission in 2005 and is the recipient of the Hospital For Special Surgery CUNYAC Student-Athlete of the Month Award for September.
After enjoying a record-breaking season in her Lightning debut in 2004, The Nashua, New Hampshire native picked up right where she left off with a remarkable month of September. In fact, the Nashua Senior graduate captured first-place in all three races that she competed in during the month. For her efforts, she was named the CUNYAC Runner of the Week three times in September.
“September was just awesome for me,” said Ruston. "I broke the 18:00 minute mark at Van Cortlandt Park, something that has been playing in my mind for a while. I attribute my success to making a significant change in my diet as I have started eating more protein, particularly fish, and I feel so much stronger this year. My body is no longer breaking down on me and I’m excited about the rest of the season.”
Ruston opened the campaign on September 11 by winning the Vassar Invitational (5k) for the second consecutive year in a course record-time of 17:41, nearly two minutes faster than the second-place finisher. She followed that up with a win at the New York University Invitational (5k) on September 18, covering the course in 18:19. On September 25, Ruston remained perfect by capturing the Bard Invitational (6k) with a new course-record time of 22:47.43
Last season, Ruston enjoyed a spectacular debut for Lehman as she set a new CUNYAC Championship record at Van Cortlandt Park with a time of 19:00. She went on to win the Division III Atlantic Regional (6,000 Meters) at St. Lawrence University (22:37) and also competed in the NCAA Championships in Wisconsin.
“I’m extremely confident that I will be able to win the regional championship again this year,” Ruston admitted. My goal is to finish in the top-ten at the NCAA Championships.”
Ruston also understands the value of doing well in school. “There is a direct correlation between my success in athletics and in academics," she explained. "My passion is running and I know that I can’t compete if I don’t do well in the classroom. I can’t have one without the other.”
Ruston, who aspires to become a personal nutritionist and someday work with pro athletes, will be a story to watch this season.