Bobby Hanson

By Jake Grovum
UWRF Sports Information

Entering his senior year, Bobby Hanson was staring down an honor seldom seen in college athletics.

Hanson, from Cambridge, Minn., and a graduate of Cambridge-Isanti High School, has been one of the Falcons top seven runners since he first step foot on campus. The top seven runners are virtually the varsity runners of most cross country teams, and the Falcons are no different. For an athlete to begin a career at such a high level and maintain that ability throughout a college career is a feat indeed.

"Bobby is a good influence on young runners; he is a strong Christian and very enthusiastic and motivated," Falcon Coach Don Glover said of Hanson. "Bobby has improved every year he has been here, and we'll definitely miss him when he's gone."

Clearly there is more to Hanson than meets the eye and he means much more to the Falcons than just his four years as a top seven runner.

Hanson is majoring in health and human performance at UW-River Falls and hopes to continue his education in graduate school. While attending graduate school Hanson hopes to pursue a career in exercise physiology.

Hanson is an athlete at heart. He spent much of his youth playing sports and participating in outdoor activities with his family. "We did everything together; golf, hunt, fish," Hanson said, remembering his experiences growing up. Although Hanson will say his favorite sports are basketball and golf he has excelled at cross country as well as indoor and outdoor track & field. Hanson got his start running track in high school and began cross country his junior year, he admits it was only to stay in shape for basketball.  

It could be said that Hanson's coming to UWRF was fate. Hanson recalled a track meet in the spring of his senior year at White Bear Lake High School where Glover had coached previously. Hanson said he was set on going to MSU-Mankato for college before the meet. Glover approached him and began to discuss becoming a Falcon and it was only a matter of time before Hanson found himself in River Falls.  

There is much more to Hanson's time at UWRF than his success for the cross country team. Hanson is a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, an organization on campus that is committed to the improvement of student-athlete academic, athletic, and social experiences.  

Hanson is also an active member of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF), a club that works to promote fellowship among students who share common religious beliefs. On top of participating in IVCF Hanson is also a Bible study leader.

He cited his strong faith when asked what his favorite quote was. "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me," Hanson said, citing Philippians 4:13 and pointing out a wristband that bore the same quote. "I try to do it all for Him because I'm so blessed with all that he has given me." Hanson said as he named God his major inspiration in life.

Hanson also works on the Intramural Recreation Staff as an equipment manager, ensuring that all the equipment is ready for intramural competition.

It could be that Hanson would have a hard time juggling all his various activities but he explained that being at UWRF and running for Glover has taught him the value of work ethic and time management. Hanson also said of Glover's team that he will miss the family atmosphere among the runners, as they do most things together.