The Observer, October 12, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 7
Spartan Spotlight: Mike Werneiwski
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The Basics: Mike Werneiwski is a junior and co-captain of the men's cross country team. He's majoring in biology and economics and has been participating in cross country for eight years.
Joe Amick: Where are you from?
Mike Werneiwski: York-Sota. The only two people that live there are Ryan Gjoraas and I.
JA: I actually did some research and found out that you're from New York and that York-Sota doesn't exist. You can't pull the wool over my eyes, sir. Anyways, what inspired you to play cross country?
MW: My mom told me I needed to do a sport or she would hit me.
JA: Your mom rules. Any hobbies?
MW: Skiing and basketball and Frisbee.
JA: Whatever. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
MW: Sitting on the corner of Euclid and Adelbert selling roses.
JA: What's your best cross country memory?
MW: Qualifying for states my senior year of high school, but hopefully it will be qualifying for nationals as a team this year; I just need to wait a couple months.
JA: How about your worst cross country memory?
MW: Running behind Dominic when he forgot to put on deodorant.
JA: Who knew that a 12-year-old could sweat that much? What's your favorite quote?
MW: I will copy Kristen and go with, "If running were easy, we'd call it your mom."
JA: How about "If running caused repressed memories, we'd call it your uncle." What's something most people don't know about you?
MW: I am going to quit running and start power lifting this winter.
JA: I'm sure coach Lanese supports your decision. What makes cross country stand out from other sports?
MW: No matter how bad of a day I am having, I never leave practice upset because the team is so great.
JA: I don't know; I hear that Brian Cromer is a real Albert Belle type. What would we find in your locker right now that might surprise us?
MW: A bag of hair.
JA: That's really funny. If you could invite any three people to dinner, living or dead, who would it be and why?
MW: Mrs. Link, Mrs. Gjoraas, and Mrs. Vaoigt. I don't know anyone else that would make better company.
JA: If they made a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?
MW: Mike Petro because he sleeps in a drawer.
JA: I'll take comfort in the fact that that movie will never be made. Would you rather have the strength of 1000 men, be able to fly, or be invisible?
MW: The strength of 1000 men. Wait, I already have that. I would have to go with being able to fly because then I could get the edge on other people in a race.
JA: 1000 men, not Joe Amicks, silly goose. Who's your favorite athlete?
MW: Billy Mills.
JA: Sorry, the correct answer is Paul Byrd. What's the weirdest nickname you ever had?
MW: It's not really a nickname, but my coach still pronounces my name wrong and says "Wahnewski."
JA: If you could participate in any other sport, which would you pick and why?
MW: Any other sport because they are all more popular than running.
JA: If running were more popular, would you call it my mom? Wait, no follow-ups. What's the one thing that most people don't know about cross country?
MW: It's the only sport that requires two balls.
JA: What are your goals for this season?
MW: To qualify for nationals with the team.
JA: Well, good luck with that.
