Born to Run
When going through the college selection process, Jon Mahoney searched for a school to help him grow in the classroom, and as a runner. He found both at Midland University.
Now, amid his senior year, the Lakewood, Colorado native looks back on his decision four years ago and knows he made the right choice. “I went through the visit process at a number of schools, but when I came here, it just felt like a good fit. Everyone seemed personable during my visit, while at some schools, I just felt like a cog in the machine. I remember visiting with Dr. Janet Lack (Coordinator of the Academic Resource Center), and she was so invested in our conversation. I was very impressed by that.”
It was a chance to run that sparked Jon’s interest in Midland. After meeting with cross country/track and field coach Daniel Gerber, he realized Midland would be a place where he could grow as a runner. “I wanted to find a school where coaches would work with me to make me better and develop me as an athlete. After conversations with Coach Gerber, I realized Midland could be that place.”
He has shown steady improvement on the cross country course and track during his time at Midland. His junior cross country season ended with a trip to the NAIA National Championships.
Jon has been running since a young age and even though it can be taxing on both the mind and body, he has found running to be his escape. “I love being part of a team, going on runs with the squad, and seeing all the different athletes competing. When I run, it calms my mind. I want to get better and compete well, but I think the biggest thing for me is my love of the training process.”
Aside from running, Jon joined Kappa Phi fraternity his junior year, allowing him to meet more people from across campus. “I enjoy how diverse our campus is, and I’ve been able to learn from different people, with different philosophies, and that’s been very fulfilling.
“I think one of my favorite things about Midland is walking across campus and seeing my friends on a daily basis. I’ve made lifelong friends at Midland and that’s something I’ll always cherish.”
As a Business Administration major, Jon has left the door open to many possibilities after graduation in May. “This major is very versatile, which is part of the reason I chose this path, and it gives me many options. I am looking forward to going out and exploring the path to finding something that I enjoy doing.”
He is hopeful that involves running, whether it be in a coaching or administration capacity. “Coaching may not be directly correlated to business, but it is about managing people and resources. I’d like to have a job that would allow me the flexibility to be able to coach as well.”
Jon Mahoney is a senior Business Administration major from Lakewood, Colorado.
