The Observer, April 7, 2006
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 23
Spartan Spotlight: Jason Dudas
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Name, major, sport, etc.: Jason Dudas is a senior mechanical engineering major at Case. He participates in track and field and cross country. During the outdoor track season he competes in the steeplechase.
High school/hometown: Solon High School.
Years participating in track: Since 7th grade.
Who/what inspired you to run track: If a football player or a wrestler kicks your ass, no big deal. If a track runner kicks your ass, you feel pretty bad about yourself.
Hobbies/extracurricular activities: Full compliance with the 24/48 hour alcohol policy. Plus, I collect records and shoot military rifles.
Favorite athlete: Anyone with enough scruff to juggle Case and D-III sports gets my full respect.
Athletic honors: My high school 4x800m relay placed at states, plus I was an alternate for the cross country team that went to nationals.
Academic honors: Passing most classes in two attempts or less.
Best track memory: Running at the state tournament in high school.
Worst track memory: Pretty much any indoor race I ever ran.
Favorite quote: I once heard Coach Lanese use the F-word.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years: Stewed, screwed, and tattooed.
Something most people don't know about you: I voted for Bush and I'd do it again dammit.
Joel Sanderson: Word Association: track shorts.
Jason Dudas: Stephen Hrinda shaves his legs. Wait, is that how this works?
JS: Yes it is, but after that bit I wish it wasn't. What makes track stand out from other sports?
JD: In pretty much every other circumstance, running around in circles is considered just plain silly.
JS: As opposed to track in which case they hand you a popsicle stick as you cross the finish line. If they made a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?
JD: Any life story would be much better in clay-mation.
JS: Yeah, but I've never thought that Gumby would be much of a runner. He's more of a superhero. What's your least favorite thing about track?
JD: The fat-man relay hasn't been approved as a conference event yet.
JS: A travesty for sure. If you could participate in any other sport, which would you pick and why?
JD: Bowling. Seriously, you get to guzzle beers and eat nachos during competition.
JS: Yeah, and how much more exciting would steeplechase be if beer and nachos were involved?! What would we find in your locker right now that might surprise us?
JD: I've actually moved out of my house and into my locker. Our new lockers are huge. No joke.
JS: I'm not laughing. What's the one thing that most people don't know about track?
JD: Track girls really do have great legs.
JS: I am 1459 percent in agreement with that analysis. What's the weirdest nickname you ever had?
JD: Coach Harris decided I looked a lot like Rod Stewart and I didn't argue.
JS: I see you as more of slower, less attractive, less marketable Prefontaine. But I still like you. What are your personal goals for the season?
JD: I want to drop another 30 seconds off my steeplechase time.
JS: Aim higher! Team goals?
JD: "Keep helpin' out the program."
JS: Good thing Coach Harris isn't repetitive or that might get old. Goats or donkeys: which do you prefer?
JD: That's more of a second date kind of question, Joel.
JS: I'd like to be able to plan ahead. Goats and donkeys are tough to get ahold of. Do tattoos add wind resistance?
JD: It's a little late to worry about that one.
JS: Fair point. Could the men's team beat the women's team in a head to head competition?
JD: Hell no. We'd be torn to shreds. The guys are just a bunch of cupcakes.
JS: Man I love cupcakes. What were you saying? You're from Cleveland, how 'bout them Indians?
JD: I'll stick with any Cleveland team until the end, but I'd really like to see someone in a giant Chief Wahoo costume instead of that creepy Slider outfit.
JS: Any man in pink and no pants works for me. I don't see the problem. Do you ever dance in the streets?
JD: Only during Friday practices or at team dinners.
JS: Then you're slackin'. What makes you fast?
JD: You just said I was from Cleveland. We have a lot to run from.
JS: True enough. But I'm sure Case security has got your back. Do people call you captain?
JD: Yes. And I generally demand a salute unless we're indoors.
JS: And I guess indoors you just make them kiss your shoes.
