Jason Phillippi

By Shawna Carpentier
UWRF Sports Information

Falcon Jason Phillippi exercises a comprehensive mindset with an energetic, friendly, and at times sarcastic, personality.

"Track offers so many events for every type of athlete," says Phillippi, "it's a great all around sport."

Running all year round, the distance runner represents the Falcons as a two-sport athlete. A member of the UWRF track and field and cross country teams, Phillippi brings both leadership and enthusiasm to Falcon athletics.

"There's nothing better than man to man competition," believes Phillippi.

As a representative for a guy's side of things, he leads the men's track and field and cross country teams as a captain.

Phillippi's attitude, motivation and commitment helped to earn him recognition as the men's track and field team Most Valuable Performer last season. As a member of the distance medley relay team (10:12.61), Phillippi aided in the record-breaking conference win during the 2006 indoor conference championships. Phillippi set his second record this indoor season with a personal record in the mile run (4:17.75). Among Phillippi's other honors is his attainment of a provisional qualifying time in the steeplechase during the 2006 outdoor season.

Now a year later, Phillippi is focused on competing at Oshkosh the end of May in the 2007 NCAA Track and Field Division III Championships. Qualifying for Nationals in the steeplechase is Phillippi's ultimate goal. Through strict training and a passion for the event, Phillippi plans to achieve his goal

"I set goals and work hard until I achieve them," he shares.

Stretching and running intervals support Phillippi's capacity to perform, but he still enjoys a Snickers Marathon Bar for a boost of energy before he competes.

Supporting those who aren't familiar with the steeplechase, Phillippi thinks that most people would find it interesting. "I think it is the most exciting race in track," says Phillippi.

A race that requires mobility, speed and aggressiveness, the steeplechase takes runners on a near two mile race with barriers. Thirty-five jumps over barriers of water and long hurdles, the event may involve a stronger mental than physical condition.

"For me it's easier because you run to the next barrier," explains Phillippi, "it's easier mentally; it breaks up the pace."

Finding a compromise with the standards of the event, Phillippi hopes he can break the Falcon record in the steeplechase and earn All-American status before he graduates.

"He has good leg speed and he can continue to work on his endurance and get stronger in development," says distance running coach Keven Syverson.

Currently Phillippi holds the top time in the WIAC in the steeplechase and Syverson expresses that competing to his potential, knowing his body and putting effort into his training are elements that will enable him to excel come competition time.

When it comes to Phillippi's assets Syverson says, "I think his willingness to lay it on the line when it counts."

When Phillippi is not competing, he is an advocate for athletics. As a sports enthusiast and a member of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, Phillippi stresses the importance of taking care of your body.

Of junior status in his health and human performance major, Phillippi hopes to promote the health of children upon graduating from River Falls as a physical education teacher and coach.

"I want to like going to work everyday," replies Phillippi who promotes healthy lifestyles that translate into healthy bodies.

Giving advice to young athletes, Phillippi says that those who want to get involved in athletics should prioritize. "First, try hard in school so that you can go out for your sport," advises Phillippi, "then second is athletics and it should be higher than your social life."

Although Phillippi's attraction to athletics is propelled by the forum they give an individual to push their limits, he recognizes that the friendships and memories that come as a member of a team are irreplaceable. "I enjoy the social time with my friends going to events and trips," he says.

As the 2007 outdoor season comes to a close, the outcome of Phillippi's efforts isn't predictable, but Syverson says that he has given Phillippi all the tools he needs to be successful.

"He knows what he needs to do," says Syverson who adds that Phillippi needs to have confidence in himself and his ability to achieve his goals.

Both Phillippi and Syverson encourage people to attend the Falcon hosted WIAC   championships May 4 th and 5 th . They explain that there is more to track and field than just running. From jumping to throwing events, they say supporting the program is a great way to see what the university's athletes do.