Brad Arledge of Witt Men's Cross Country Joins Dr. Gary For Q&A
Each week during the school year, Wittenberg University Director of Athletics and Recreation Gary Williams interviews a Tiger student-athlete for a special website feature called "Q&A with Dr. Gary."
Special thanks to Andy Elliot '19 for his hard work putting the feature together this week.
Q & A with Dr. Gary, Featuring Brad Arledge, Men's Cross Country
Q: How would you describe the athletic culture/environment at Wittenberg?
A: Being at such a small school, Witt has a very inclusive athletic culture. So many people that go here are athletes and it makes connecting with others pretty easy. There’s always a game to go to or a SAAC event to support. To put it simply, the athletic culture here at Witt is fun and it makes you happy to be a part of it.
Q: What is your most memorable sports moment at Witt?
A: Definitely when the men’s cross team got 8th in conference my sophomore year. At the time, Witt was notorious for being the worst cross country team in the conference. And to break that losing slump, even just by one place, meant the world to us.
Q: What made Wittenberg your choice as opposed to other schools?
A: I really didn’t have any practical reason to choose Witt over other schools. Wright State was cheaper, I had family ties to Otterbein, Oberlin fit my personality more… but there was something in the air at Witt that drew me here. Witt clearly meant something to everyone here and I wanted to see what it was all about and it was the best decision I ever made.
Q: Where is your favorite place to eat on campus? (CDR, Post, etc.)
A: Easy. Founders.
Q: What are you studying at Witt and why does it interest you?
A: I bounced back and forth between majors for a couple years. Came in undeclared, went for communication, realized it wasn’t the right fit, then decided on exercise science. I’ve been an athlete for the majority of my academic career and having a major that directly lines up with my passion is perfect. I get to use what I learn in the classroom to help make myself and my teammates better athletes.
Q: Who is someone outside of athletics that has made the most significant impact on your Wittenberg experience and why?
A: Probably would have to be Dr. Barry. I only had him my freshmen year for German class, but his passion for academics still sticks with me. He came to class excited to teach every day. It’s his relentless enthusiasm that I still carry with me and try to repeat with everything I do.
Q: If you could play any other sport, what would it be and why?
A: I’d want to try to play rugby. I’ve always found the game super interesting. I know I’m not the biggest guy, but I’m fast and competitive… it’d be fun to give it a shot.
Q: Who is your favorite Wittenberg athlete and why?
A: Kenny Mayes from track and field. That guy has a stupid amount of talent. Seeing him come back from a pretty rough injury to be an indoor conference champion in the 800 was pretty cool. He’s a fairly nonchalant and relaxed guy normally, but when he competes it’s strictly business.
Q: What does it mean to you to be a Wittenberg Tiger?
A: Being a Tiger means I’m part of something bigger than myself. I’m part of an athletic community that unfalteringly cares about and supports each other every chance we get. It also means that I get to leave my mark in Witt’s rich athletic history which is a pretty cool thing.
Q: What kind of music do you listen to before a game, tournament, etc. (Favorite artists, songs, albums)
A: Kanye for the bus ride there. Kanye right before. Kanye for the bus ride back.
Q: How did you start in your sport?
A: I was a “manager” for my middle school team during 6th grade (you could only join athletics starting in 7th grade). The two coaches at the time were very good family friends of ours and I knew I wanted to run, so I decided to help out and hang around for a year before I could actually run in 7th grade.
Q: Who professionally is your favorite player in your sport?
A: Right now, my favorite athlete in running is Sam Parsons. He graduated a year ago from NC State where he saw a decent amount of success but is mostly mediocre in the professional scene. Sam runs for a professional running development team, Tinman Elite, based out of Boulder, Colorado. After a pretty spectacular failure in the most recent 5th Avenue Mile race, his message is clear: he’s tired of not winning. His path and drive parallels what myself and my own cross country team are trying to accomplish this season. We’re done being the jokes of the conference and we’re ready to show everyone what we’re all about.