Ben Cignarale talks with scrunners about the season, future and Riverside team.
Name: Ben Cignarale
Personal bests: 5K- 15:39, 3200- 9:41, 1600- 4:33, 800- 2:02
Hobbies: Soccer, Ultimate frisbee, Frisbee golf, movies, art, hanging out with friends.
Academic interests: Math, Physics
How did you get involved in the sport and why?
I first started running with my dad just for fun. However, my older brother started XC at Riverside his eighth grade year, so I joined in seventh grade.
Do you have any family members involved in the sport? Please explain.
My older brother, Noah Cignarale, ran from eight to ninth grade. He stopped to focus on swimming.
What roles do you have on the team this year?
As a captain, I have many roles. Of course I explain workouts and warmups to my teammates, but I like to think I am a role model for the younger guys on the team. This is my sixth year on cross country, so my experience in running as well as being part of the team can be very helpful to those who need guidance. My favorite role is to motivate teammates at races.
What does it mean to be part of your team?
Earning that checkerboard jersey grants you respect. Riverside XC is full of competition within, so when it comes to racing other teams, competing comes to us naturally.
Do you have any post cross country meets plans?
I plan to race at Nike XC Southeast in Cary, N.C. this November along with the rest of the Riverside varsity team.
Do you have any specific race strategies that work best for you?
Stay with John Ward (Wade Hampton) as long as possible.
Do you prefer track or cross country, and why?
Cross country. Track can get very repetitive, and I enjoy morning adventure runs in the summer and fall.
What do you enjoy about the team and being on the course with them daily?
I love working out with my friends. Being on a team with your best friends makes the pain of running go away.
How do you look at having the third fastest time in the state?
There is room for improvement. To consider yourself great, you must strive to be the greatest.
What does it mean to be part of the top team in the state? How do you look at this each day?
That means everyone wants to beat us. I consider Riverside as the underdog until a state championship is won. Each day, I imagine us racing at the state meet; running up that sand hill. I imagine how great it would feel to be the top team in S.C. Then, my teammates and I train to meet that goal.
What plans do you have for the future?
It has been a dream of mine to run at the collegiate level. However, I still have to finish the XC season strong. I am excited for track, but even more excited for college. I plan to study industrial design.
Are you looking to run at a college?
Yes, and after college too.
Do you remember your first race?
My first race was the Silverleaf Firecracker 5K in my neighborhood on the Fourth of July. I was eight years old and finished in 27 minutes.
How did summer training go?
Great. I trained harder this summer than any other summer before. It was very enjoyable waking up early to run with my friends while it was cool outside.
What do you remember the most from being a runner?
I will always remember telling myself the pain isn't real.
Do you have a specific reason to achieve a goal or goals this season?
Since it is my final cross country season, I plan to finish with a bang. I really want my team to do well this season and the seasons to come without me.
What do you enjoy the most about being part of the Riverside team?
PASTA PUMP-UPS!!!
What helps you stay focused during practices and races?
I hate losing, so it's easy to dedicate myself to win every workout. That keeps my mind engaged every practice. Also, listening to music before I run always gets me pumped.
What responsibility do you feel you have to your teammates? Please explain.
I feel I am responsible to encourage my teammates to be the best athletes and peers they can possibly be.
Do you have a pre-race tradition? Please explain.
I always eat french toast, wear my lucky shorts, sleep on the bus, use lucky safety pins for bib, crack my back and neck, and jump up and down three times. Why? I'll run poorly if I don't do every single one of those things!
How do you balance academics, athletics and other responsibilities?
It's not easy to put the same effort into school as I do into running. But, I do my best to obtain good grades, because my future depends on it. Ultimately, as long as I stay healthy and try to enjoy everything I do, balancing athletics and academics becomes a lot less stressful.
What challenges or injuries have you encountered in the sport? How did you stay motivated during this time?
My sophomore year, I strained a muscle in my back while playing football at Coach's Classic. I felt the lingering pain from that injury until the very end of the season. However, it taught me not to fool around at meets before I race. It was difficult to get over the pain, but I was motivated to still set a personal best before the season ended.
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
I want to go to space so I can be the first person to bottle flip on the moon.
Favorite runner(s): Usain Bolt, and The Evans Harrison
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite bands: Kings of Leon, One Republic, NEEDTOBREATHE, Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eminem
Favorite quote: "It isn't the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it's the pebble in your shoe." -Muhammed Ali
Favorite training shoe and racing shoe: Saucony Kinvara, NB XC 5000 v2
Inspirational person in your life: Dad
