Men's Cross Country
Name: Paul Nozicka
University: St. Thomas University
Hometown: Woodstock, N.B.
Sport: Cross Country and Track & Field
Academic Program: BA
Year of Eligibility: Fourth
About Paul:
Born and raised in Chemnitz, a rural community in Saxony, former East Germany, multi-sport athlete Paul Nozicka was drawn to cross country and track and field due to its individual competitive nature.
“I played rugby, soccer, and volleyball, but cross country and track & field soon became the sports I was best at and enjoyed the most.” As an athlete who is competitive by nature, an individual sport like running completely appealed to him. “As an individual sport, cross country and track & field always appealed to me, while basketball gave me the contrast of a great team experience.”
Getting to know Paul:
Q: Do you have a first or an early memory about track and field or cross country?
A: The event that got me into running was definitely my first 5k ever, the Joe McGuire in Woodstock in 2009. I placed third in a decent time on zero mileage and training. I fell in love right there.
Q: How did you choose St. Thomas?
A: I was approached by STU cross country/track and field coach at the time, Scott Davis, who invited me to a track invitational meet. When I got to know the veteran team members and the school itself better, I realized it was where I wanted to be.
Q: What was it like trying out for and making the varsity team?
A: I came into the team feeling intimidated, yet also welcomed and at home. First year training camp is still one of my most cherished memories, and I was completely thrilled once I started competing alongside the older students on the team.
Q: What do you think or hope you are best known for athletically and personally?
A: Athletically, I think I am known for always working hard, pushing myself to my limits in workouts and competitions. Personally, for being outgoing and open to new people.
Q: What has been your most memorable moment playing for your university team?
A: Cracking the top 20 at the AUS championships in 2014.
Q: What are your hopes and expectations for your team this year?
A: To maintain the positive and fun atmosphere we’ve been able to establish. We have a very young and new team again this year, and mutual support between our few veteran runners and newcomers has been amazing. We push and motivate each other and I’m expecting many new personal bests by the end of the season. I hope for an exciting AUS Champs, which we are very proud to host here in Fredericton this year.
Q: Tell me one thing you think your friends and teammates might not know about you.
A: I used to have hair longer than the whole women’s team combined…
Q: Do you have any superstitions or rituals before a game?
A: My shoes have to be tied just right.
Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
A: Flight. Be free as a bird!
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Speed Round:
Tea or coffee? Coffee
Candy or chips? Chips
Summer or winter? Is that a serious question?
Friends or Seinfeld? MacGyver
Pop or Country music? Pop
Favourite song right now? “The Nights” - Avicii
Favourite movie? Borat
Source: Jenna Wills, AUS Communications