Senior runner David Cummings closed out his career last weekend at the Brutus Hamilton Invitation at the University of California. He has been a part of the cross country and track program for four years.  He helped lead the Warriors to three straight Cal Pac Championships.  He reflects on his journey as a student-athlete at WJU:

Why did you choose William Jessup University?

Overall this could be a long conversation about the series of events that led to me choosing Jessup.  However, it was the combination of the incredible faculty, wonderful reputation of the school, scholarships, and Christ-centered nature of the school that drew me to William Jessup.

What have you learned from running for Head Coach Parker Daniells?

I could nearly write a whole dissertation on what I've learned from running for Parker.  Highlights of what I have learned include improved leadership skills, running form and strategy, strengths about myself, and more of how to nourish my relationships with God and others.  While running for Parker, he has really helped me in understanding what the author says in Hebrews 12:1-2, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

What was your favorite memory from your Track and Field career at WJU?

Nothing can beat the relationships that I have made with people while running on the track and field team.  My teammates have been there with me through the thick and thin and have always been there to encourage me in the happy and sad times.  If I were to look back in regards to my favorite race, I would probably say my first 1500 at Cal State Stanislaus and my race in Chico, both of which were during my sophomore year.  My first 1500 race was a new animal I never experienced up to the point and after the race I remember Parker saying I ran it in a textbook style.  This was encouraging as I had never run that race before!  Later that season, I ran my personal best 1500 to date at Chico with a time of 4:12. 

Who had the greatest influence on your life to get you where you are today and why?

There is no doubt in my mind that my parents have been the biggest influence on where I am today.  My parents' relationships with God and with one another have been such that have inspired me in my personal walk with Christ, devotion to loving God and others, relationships, developing my character and so much more.

What are three traits that helped you get where you are today?

-Loving God

-Perseverance

-Integrity

If you had one piece of advice for future Warrior student-athletes, what would it be?

Inspired by my assistant coach Jacob Rydman, I would say that in whatever sport you participate in, to do it well.  I have recently implementing my coaches mantra to "Run fearless!  Run free! Run full of faith!"  "Run/compete fearless"…don't hold back and don't fear the walls you have hit before.  Working to break through those walls is worth the pain.  "Run/compete free."  We encounter a lot of stress as student athletes, incapable of managing the stress all by ourselves.  Submitting to God and opening to our teammates is one of the greatest things we can do.  Praying for and encountering God and his grace is the most powerful things in the world.  Only God can remove the chains that bind us from running/competing freely.  And finally, "run/compete full of faith!" Keeping God at the center is so crucial to genuine joy, a joy that is not limited by happiness but is characterized by persevering peace.  It is peach that surpasses all human understanding and can only point to God.

What's been your greatest experience as a student-athlete at WJU?

The greatest experience as a student athlete is definitely the relationships I have built with my teammates and other athletes.  Sure I will remember the races and meets, but nothing can replace the memories I have made with my teammates, my friends!  If I were to choose one moment that was the cornerstone of my student-athlete experience, I would have to say it was our men's cross country retreat in Tahoe during this last season.  It was there our team bonded and celebrated over the baptism of one of our teammates, Justin.  Seeing the vulnerability, honesty, and accountability that spewed forth following that weekend was inspiring.

What will you miss most leaving WJU?

In leaving WJU, I will definitely miss the adventurous runs we have had as a men's team.  I will miss the travel excursions to various track meets and the joy of seeing teammates race in their events.  I'm not sure how much I will miss waking up for 5:45 am practices but hey, those were fun too!  Whether it were dodgeball, relay races, or weird exercise, I will miss some of the spontaneous games we would play.

How have you integrated your faith into running?

On a physical level, I would say I have integrated my faith into running by trusting Parker that the workouts and early hours of practices will benefit us.  Trusting in God that the workouts will pay off.  As I mentioned earlier in the advice section, I was really speaking to me.  Being a runner/student-athlete in general is a tough task.  Relying on God to run fearless, free, and full of faith can be a challenge.  Additionally, I would also say I have integrated my faith in the relationships I have built with my teammates through accountability, trust, fun, and so much more!  Hebrews 12:1-2 continues to hold true!

What are your goals after WJU?

Following graduation, I plan on staying involved with WJU.  I plan on staying involved with the cross country team and am also considering training for a marathon.  Regarding career, I plan on looking for a position in community mental health, possibly working as a counselor of sorts at a residential facility.  However, what I am most excited about is getting married on February 21, 2015 to my bride to be, Heather Zanni.