UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Head coach John Gondak wants members of the Penn State track & field program that are both great student-athletes and even better teammates. Each Nittany Lion is expected to perform their best in the classroom and in their respective disciplines in addition to cheering loud when their teammates are performing in their events.
Last year saw the Penn State mid-distance program, along with the entire team, compete at high level at the Big Ten Championships and on the national stage.
For Gondak, he coached Isaiah Harris to a national title and a pair of Big Ten titles, all in the 800-meter run. On the women's side, Danae Rivers ran to an indoor Big Ten title in the 800-meter run and became the first Nittany Lion to win the women's 1,500-meter run at the Big Ten Championships.
Though Harris signed a professional contract after his outstanding junior year, he is still on campus finishing his degree and continues to train with the Nittany Lions.
"Isaiah's season was incredible with the pinnacle of winning the NCAA Championship and setting the school record over the summer. He was a fantastic athlete for us and we are going to miss him this year," Gondak said.
Rivers is back for her junior year, and is ready to build off her success from 2018. As noted earlier, Rivers won a pair of Big Ten individual titles and in the Penn State record books she set school records ranging from the 600 through the mile indoors and the 800/1500 outdoors.
"Danae continues to set records and do amazing things," Gondak said. "To be All-American during her indoor and outdoor season at two different events, I am really thrilled for the progress she is making and excited to see what she can do her junior year."
Gondak emphasized that Penn State has success in many different event areas that helps PSU track & field continue to raise the bar each year. Entering his 13th year overall at PSU, and his fifth at the helm of the program, Gondak is looking forward for the 2019 track & field season to get underway.
"Last year, I think we made some great strides with people in the program doing some really strong things and taking a higher step in their careers," Gondak said. "This year, the progress that they made and the experience they gained, is just going to continue helping them grow as athletes."
Gondak consistently works on recruiting student-athletes who are well-rounded in both academics and athletics. He wants to fill his team with the best athletes for each event and also students that fit in at this school. He notes that the family atmosphere is just one of the many reasons why student-athletes join the program.
"We continue at Penn State to work on being a complete track & field team," Gondak said. "I think our recruits from last year are amazing and we continue to bring in athletes to cover all the events. We had a successful fall in cross country. The group that we have coming in this year is really going to help bolster the program and it is a family atmosphere."
Gondak wants to make sure that his student-athletes take advantage of the academics and resources that this school has to offer. He feels like potential new student-athletes want to go to a school that will help them for life after college.
"On top of everything, the academic reputation for Penn State just provides an ideal scenario for high school students to come here and spent their years from age 18 to 22 with being successful and earning their degrees. Having a great experience is just a part of the track program," Gondak said.
One part of the great Penn State experience that Gondak is proud of is how the team bonds with each other both on and off the track. They attend classes together, go to social events and spend leisure time with each other.
"I think the way our team bonds with what they do and how they do it really helps the success of our team. It has shaped our program over the past ten years." Gondak said.
Penn State is so important in Gondak's professional and personal life because he has been cheering for the Nittany Lions since he was a kid. Gondak and his coaches continue to help shape this program so that it is constantly moving forward.
"I grew up a huge Penn State fan and this is home for me," Gondak said. "I really think that we are supported well here. We have amazing facilities like our indoor and outdoor track combination and it is one of the best setups in the country."