Take Two

A few days ago we offered a glimpse into the endlessly interesting psyches of half of the inaugural ITA NH Team: Brian Gagnon, Ben True and Lex Williams (and you’ll be hearing more from them again soon). This week we’re bringing you the other half (and some photos): David Brent, Toni Salucci and Matt Withrow. Following is a series of questions and answers that seeks to illuminate aspects personal, academic, civic and athletic of these three talented runners.

Why are you excited to be a part of the inaugural ITA NH Team?

David Brent: Post-collegiate professional running is something that I have dreamed about ever since I knew I could be great at this sport. ITA is a very rewarding organization to be a part of. All involvement I have had giving back to a community or helping mentoring youth has always been enjoyable and gratifying.

Toni Salucci: It is easy to lose perspective when training at a professional level, to see running as just a pursuit rather than an art that needs to be shared...to be taught. ITA provides an opportunity to train at the highest level while helping shape our next generation of athletes.

Matt Withrow: I’m excited to be a part of a running group that has a focus outside of themselves.

David Brent mixing it up in the DMR

When was the first time you ran competitively? 

David Brent: Freshman year of high school was the first time I ran competitively. I started running to get in shape for basketball.

Toni Salucci: 5th grade Field Day: the 600-yard dash

Matt Withrow: Pilgrim Pace Race in Elementary School 

Toni Salucci racing for the Big Blue

Which is your favorite race you’ve completed? 

David Brent: Great Lakes Relay

Toni Salucci: Emerald Nuts Midnight Run in Central Park, NY on New Year’s Eve

Matt Withrow: Bremen Sectional 2003

Lex Williams winning the Stanford Invite 10k

What is your most prized competition result?

David Brent: Setting the Eastern Michigan School Record in the Distance Medley Relay and being 8-Time Mid American Conference Champion

Toni Salucci: Winning the Penn Relays Championship of America 4x1500m

Matt Withrow: Going 11k with coach Broe at the US XC Championships in ’05 before he blew my doors off

Lex Williams and his Michigan classmates at an Ann Arbor hospital

What was your favorite undergraduate class? 

David Brent: Mathematical Modeling

Toni Salucci: Introduction to Wines

Matt Withrow: Any US History Class with professor Cooper

David Brent putting pedal to the metal on the XC course

What’s your favorite section of the newspaper?

David Brent: Technology and Weather

Toni Salucci: The crossword puzzle, and the science section on Tuesdays

Matt Withrow: Either the Food section or the Celebrations page of a small town paper

Brian Gagnon and his youth charges at summer camp

What’s your favorite thing to do when not training/competing?

David Brent: Flying airplanes or hanging out at the airport (you can always learn something there)

Toni Salucci: Drink coffee, read and people watch

Matt Withrow: Cook

Toni Salucci at the BU Terrier Classic

What’s the finest example of “grace under pressure” you’ve witnessed in real time (but not necessarily in person)?

David Brent: Captain Chelsey Sullenburger of US Airways flight 1549. He landed his airbus in the Hudson River after having an engine out and saved all 155 passengers on that flight. Talk about a guy that kept his cool under pressure. It takes many years of practice and a vast knowledge base to do what he did and stay calm and confident.

Toni Salucci: At the 2008 Penn Relays I watched as teammate Nicole Edwards of Michigan anchored the DMR, the SMR and the 4x1500m relays, holding off Tennessee’s Sarah Bowman for all three wins.

Matt Withrow: Kenensia Bekele’s at the World XC Championships after losing his fiancée.