Year: Junior (2009)

Major/Minor: Physical Education Teacher Prep/Biology

Hometown/HS: Sherbrooke, Quebec/Souhegan HS (NH)

Sports: Cross Country, Ice Hockey (Club), Lacrosse

Favorite Movie: Remember the Titans

Favorite Actor: Will Farrell

Favorite Food: Blueberry or strawberry pancakes homemade on the campfire!

"I used to prefer everything else over Cross Country"

Ryan moved to NH for his senior year of high school. French is his first language and was "lucky to have a good second language teacher back in Sherbrooke to teach English." In addition to Cross Country, Ryan also plays club hockey for Coach Kevin Fahey in the winter and Lacrosse for Coach Mike Edgar in the spring.

From Cross Country Head Coach Tom Dann:

Ryan Prescott has been a member of the men's cross country team at Saint Joseph's College for three years now. While Ryan did not run cross country in high school, he has demonstrated a lot of potential with some early success (as a freshman). What was missing was some experience and an understanding of what it takes to prepare oneself for this sport.

As these three years have progressed, Ryan has become more and more dedicated and committed to cross country and he has put his faith into the coaching staff. This, along with an unbelievable dedication to training during the off-season, has resulted in a truly remarkable season of success. He now sets his sights on next year, his final season, with the goal of reaching the D-III National Championships. If the recent past of progress is any indication, he just might attain that goal.

How does Religion play a part in your life?

Praying helps me calm down before races. It is really good to believe in something. It doesn't matter what you believe in as long as you believe in something. I feel that I have less stress on my shoulders because I feel that God is always helping me. Religion is a big part of my life. I converted to Catholicism I was Baptist, mostly because of Father John (Tokaz). Father Paul (Dumais) is leading hikes during the weekends, which is good to get to know the students. Father Paul is a big figure at this school. He is down to earth and really connects with the kids.

What did you do this past summer to get ready for your respective sport?

I had the choice of living at school or living in Alstead, NH. I chose to live in Alstead because I would be closer to my girlfriend. I ended up living in a tent this summer on a farm. I made my own meals and cooked over a fire and lived off the land. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I showered in the pond and I got up at 5:30 AM every morning to run because camp started at 8:00 AM. I worked on the farm and was a camp counselor at Old Orchard Camp, but didn't make much money. I had to physically run wherever I needed to go because I had no car. I want to stay on campus this summer but last summer was a great experience for me.

What is your most memorable moment as an athlete at SJC?

One of my most memorable moments was seeing the finish line in the GNAC championships. I came in first and this was special because this was the first race I've ever won except for the Alumni race, which really doesn't count. Just seeing the rows of people supporting the team was a great moment during that race.

Why did you choose Saint Joseph's College?

Dartmouth was my first choice but my English ACT's weren't good enough to get into the Ivy League School. I planned on playing hockey and football there. Saint Joseph's College was my second choice and it ended up being a perfect fit for me. The campus is beautiful and the people here are really nice. Being a private Catholic college I knew it would be a great environment where I could earn my degree and participate in athletics. I liked the class sizes here, which was a big help in my decision. I applied to Plymouth State and UNH.

Can you tell us something about you that most people don't know?

I study a lot to get good grades and I deserve the grades I get. Some of my buddies think it comes easy for me but I actually study a lot. Professors ask students to study two hours for every hour in the classroom and I strive to follow this idea. I took Anatomy and Physiology II during May semester. The class was eight hours a day; we had a quiz everyday and an exam every Friday. I worked my tail off to get an "A" in that course.

What impression has the St. Joseph's College Coaching staff had on your life?

I never ran in high school. I came here and did cross country to stay in shape for hockey. I didn't really take running seriously. The coaches thought I had a lot of potential but I didn't listen to the coach at first. I kind of wanted to do my own thing. Last year I was defeated badly and was really upset. Cross Country Head Coach Tom Dann said to take care of myself for a week, which meant no Frisbee and sleeping eight or nine hours a night. I ran 2 minutes faster than my previous race. I started eating better and started taking cross country more seriously. I guess you could say it was a revelation because before that I preferred everything else over cross country.

What is the funniest moment you've experienced as an athlete here at SJC?

At the GNAC championships last year I was late to the race because I was taking too long in the bathroom. Someone came in the bathroom and told me my race was starting in two minutes. I threw something on and I sprinted to the starting line and as I was getting there the man was saying on your mark, get set, GO!


What are your hobbies?

I like any type of sport. I play intramurals. I like cross country, swimming, hockey and lacrosse. I am playing Lacrosse, club hockey, cross country, and track and field here at Saint Joseph's College.

After College do you plan on continuing to participate in your sport?

During the off-season I am going to train with my roommate for the Hyannis marathon. After I graduate I want to coach and run road races. Maybe someday I will be able to qualify for the Olympics.


The men's team came in 2nd and the women's team came in 1st in the GNAC. What would you say has attributed to the team's success this season and what strides will you and your teammates take to improve yourselves for next season?

We've had some success, but there is always room for improvement. Both teams have had some setbacks this season; one girl dropped out because of nursing and another girl had mono and still ran. Our second runner on the men's team sprained his knee and hasn't been at full strength. Coach Dann has off-season workout plans that are very challenging but in the long run helps us to become better runners. It would be great if Saint Joseph's College hosted the GNAC Championships again because that is a big advantage for both of our teams.


In November, 2004 the Nasua Telegraph ran a great article about Ryan's story:

Click here to read the article about Ryan in the Nashua Telegraph

The feature "Monk Confessions" is designed to call attention to student-athletes at Saint Joseph's College who excel both in the classroom and the sports arena. This feature will run in a bi-weekly manner so please keep checking the athletics main page to get to know our Monks athletes!


Interview by Brian DeCandia '10, Athletics Office Assistant