| Eric is one of the top mid-distance runners for his age in
the country. While attending College Notre Dame in Sudbury, Eric made a
name for himself in the 400 and 800 metre races, clearly establishing
himself as a National Level runner in the top eight in Canada. He was a
member of Team Ontario during the summer of 2007, competing in the Eastern
Canadian ESPOIR Meet in St. John/s Newfoundland where he came home with a
gold medal in the 4 x 400 relay and 4th place finishes in each of the 400
and 800 m races.
Eric started out his athletic career as a mediocre runner in the 100
and 200 metre sprints. In Grade 8 he moved to the 400 and 800 metre
distances and instantly loved it. He has played hockey while at College
Notre Dame, but his true love is running. He has developed his skills
under the watchful eyes of his personal coach Darren Jermyn as well as
other local coaches in town, such as Dick Moss from Laurentian
University.
"I like doing things myself and when you are running you are all
alone," explained Eric. "You have to push yourself and train
hard because when the race begins you can't depend on your teammates. It
is you against the clock and against other runners."
The head coach of the track team at Lake Superior State University,
Steve Ellis, is a former resident of Sudbury so he pays particular
attention to local athletes. He liked what he saw in Eric and hence
offered the full scholarship to become a member of the team.
Once he passes the SAT test, Eric will head to the university to begin
training for the spring season. If you compare hockey to -the world of
running, Eric is considered somewhere between the OHL and N.H.L.. He will
therefore spend the next four years developing his skills and competing
with some of the top runners on the continent with the dream of one day
earning a spot on the Canadian Olympic Team.
We all wish Eric the best of luck as he begins the most important race
of his life. |
