Dayton Flyers senior takes on the Questions

Each week, CatholicSportsNet.com will be getting to know a new student-athlete from around the country, by asking him/her a series of 20 questions - some in-depth, some lighthearted - that will provide insight into the thoughts and personalities of the men and women who are doing great things on and off the courts, fields, tracks, and courses.

University of Dayton distance runner Maureen "Maura" Bulgrin has had quite a career with the Flyers.

This year alone, the UD AYA Integrated Science Education major received “Faces in the Crowd” recognition in the March 2011 Sports Illustrated issue, has been named Atlantic-10 Conference Performer of the Week, Most Outstanding Track Athlete for Indoor Atlantic-10 Conference, was the Atlantic-10 Indoor Champion for 5000 Meters, 3000m, and distance medley relay, named the All-Ohio Indoor Champion 5000m and All-Ohio Outdoor Champion 10000m, earned a spot on the NCAA All-Academic Team, acts as team captain, was MVP for Women’s Track and Field, and received an All-Academic Atlantic-10 Award.

On top of that, Bulgrin maintains a 3.71 GPA and has been a great teammate to her fellow runners and competitors. She graduated from Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron, OH before heading to Dayton, where she was named All-Ohio in Division II cross country four years in a row (2003-06 and was a D-II state qualifier in the 3200 meter run in 2005 and 2006.

Bulgrin recently took part in the newest edition of CatholicSportsNet.com's "20 Questions," and her answers are below.

1) How did you choose the college you attend?

I wanted to attend a Catholic university with strong education and running programs.

2) What is your favorite part of college athletics?

My teammates. I come from a large family, and leaving home to attend college was a big transition. Luckily, I made some amazing friends on the cross country and track teams at the University of Dayton. Those girls became my sisters and UD was our home away from home.

3) How do you balance academics and your sport(s)?

It wasn’t incredibly difficult. My professors were understanding, and I learned to manage my time. It’s also not hard to sacrifice free-time when you are doing what you love.

4) What is the hardest part about being a student athlete?

Traveling on the weekends. After a full week of studying and practicing, driving or flying across the state/country is not exactly the most relaxing way to spend those precious hours of free-time, but traveling with the girls can still be a blast, even after 7+ hours on a charter bus.

5) What do you do for fun when you aren’t in class or at practice?

I love to spend time with my teammates, even outside of practice. Sometimes, the girl’s and guy’s teams will all get together and go see a movie, or have a team dinner. I also spend quite a bit of time with my fiancé and husband to be as of June 18th, Matt Lemon. He is also a member of the UD men’s cross country team and we met our freshman year.

6) What is the best characteristic that you bring to your teammates?

I’m definitely the goofball of the team. My teammates would say that I have an interesting sense of humor, but that would be putting it politely. I am outgoing, outspoken and love making people laugh.

7) What does your team do as a pre meet ritual?

We love to have team dinners. Sharing a meal is a great way to bring everyone together (and make sure no one is sneaking extra brownies before the meet the next day). Usually one of the girls will host the dinner at her apartment/house and everyone helps out with the food. Spaghetti, salad and bread are staples.

8) What music do you listen to before a meet?

I love country and bluegrass. Allison Kraus, Brad Paisley, The Wreckers, Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban, etc. If it’s got twang, I am so there.

9) What role does your faith play throughout school, games, and practice?

My faith is a very important part of my life, and I try to not let it take a backseat to my other responsibilities. When we are traveling on the weekends, there is always a group of us  who are searching MassTimes.org for services in the area. When we’re on campus, several of us would attend mass together. It was so awesome to be in an environment that not only accepted, but also encouraged my faith.

10) Favorite pro team to watch?

Go Browns!

11) What is your coach’s best quality?

I have had 2 amazing coaches during my time at UD. For the first 3 years, my cross country/distance coach, Ann Alyanak helped me develop my “runner lifestyle”. As an Olympic hopeful, she also served as my inspiration and role model for continuing my running career after college. My senior year, my cross country/distance coach, Sarah Hinkley took my training to the next level and helped me improve more than I would have ever imagined possible.

12) Why is a team captain(s) so important to the team?

A team captain serves as a liaison between the coach and the team. If someone feels like their thoughts are not being heard, it is the captains job to bring those issues to the coach and work towards a solution that will benefit everyone. A captain also serves as a leader and role model for the rest of the team.

13) How does your team handle defeat?

What do you say to your team after a tough loss? While we might not always finish on top, I have never witnessed a meet where everyone didn’t put their best foot forward and give it their all. As a captain, this is all you can ask of your teammates. Win or lose, we fight to the finish.

14) What is your favorite pre meet snack?

A large hazelnut coffee and a bagel from Panera.

15) Favorite movie quote?

“I just wanted to let you both know, good luck, we’re all counting on you.” Airplane, 1980.

16) What advice do you have for young student athletes as they decide where to go to college?

Pray about it. If you feel called to one university over another, don’t ignore it. I have found that God has a plan, even if we might not be able to see it right away.

17) Best smart phone app?

I don’t own a smart phone and probably never will. I like to kick it old school, flip phone style.

18) How do you think your involvement in college sports and academics will benefit you when you begin to look for a job?

As an education major, I would love to teach at a Catholic school and perhaps eventually coach the cross country and track teams. I hope to pass on my love of science, running, and Catholicism to high school students.

19) What does it mean to play athletics for a Catholic college?

My passion and talent for running were not simply something I developed. They were gifts from God. Running for a Catholic university has made me significantly more aware of that. I was not simply an athlete, I was an ambassador for my faith both on and off the track.

20) What is your proudest athletic achievement?

I was very proud to help lead my team to an Indoor Atlantic-10 Conference championship this past winter.