Dawson Vorderbruegge is a strong link in the chain for the Warriors' Men's Cross Country team. He has conqured the All-American status for his outstanding efforts in track and field last spring and is continuing to finish strong in his final semester of athletics eligibility.

Dawson has already obtained an undergraduate degree in English and is advancing towards his Master's degree in English here at Stanislaus. He maintains a 3.9 Cumulative GPA and is an Elite 89 award winner for high academic honors. He is also newly engaged to Marina Ghabbour.

Q: Who was your first cross-country coach?
Dawson: Coach Miller, in seventh grade
 
Q: What influenced you to compete as a cross-country runner as opposed to basketball or any other sport?
Dawson: You don't need a whole lot of athletic ability to run cross-country
 
Q: Where did you run your first cross-country race and what was the distance?
Dawson: I ran a 5k in Clarinda, Iowa. And I got passed RIGHT at the line!
 
Q: When did you first experience the feeling they call “Runners High”?
Dawson: I don't know that I ever have, but I have experienced winners high! I don't really feel good after a race.
 
Q: How did you begin your journey in becoming a Warrior Athlete?
Dawson: Every other school I went for turned me down. Coach (Diljeet) Taylor and I were in contact most of my senior year and she seemed both straight -forward and honest, which I really liked. So I came here.
 
Q: How do you balance your training practices with classes, homework, exams, projects, social life, appropriate hours of sleep, competitions, and the many more areas a student- athlete sustains?
Dawson: I try to do only a few things really well. Focus all my energy on running, school and church.
 
Q: Do you have a standout motivator/motivation that inspired you to pursue college running?
Dawson: I felt like god told me to do it.
 
Q: What do you love about training/preparation?
Dawson: For the most part I don't, but I like putting in the work that no one else is putting in. I do the work that is needed to excel.
 
Q: What do you love about competing?
Dawson: Winning, and the thrill of pitting or opposing yourself against someone else. It's very risky.
 
Q: Do you plan to continue competing post college?
Dawson: Yes, with a career goal to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Trials.
 
Q: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment in college athletics?
Dawson: Becoming an All-American and glorifying God in my running.