John Ciccone

            This past Friday,   19-year-old North Pocono graduate John Ciccone ran his first collegiate race expecting to have some fun and hopefully a decent time.  Twenty-two minutes and thirty-three seconds later he finished in the number one spot, more than a minute ahead of his competition. 

            It wasn’t even until this past February, when most people stay indoors in the harsh winter temperatures of North East PA, when John decided he would get outside and try out the sport of running.  In fact, John had no experience in a team sport, having been a boxer for some years and dabbling in martial arts.  An avid outdoorsman, he hiked trails all over Lackawanna County and it wasn’t until a shoulder injury hindered his boxing career that John thought he would try something different.      

            Having entered the work force straight out of high school John wanted to see what else was out there for him and Penn State Scranton was a great fit.  Hoping to major in Geosciences and work out in the field, this go-getter wants to start his college career close to home and move on to University Park.  Having only a few 5k’s and one 15k under his belt in community events John thought the PSWS Cross Country team was a great place to make friends and develop his new found love for running.  He was right.

            Always excited for what tomorrow will bring but never too worried about the future John is a laid back guy who likes to take things day by day.  He admits having never had Cross Country on his mind while applying to Penn State but he is sure glad he signed up.  He enjoys developing the natural talent he has for the sport and has already made great finds while doing so. 

            Being a family man, John is excited that his younger brother wants to follow in his footsteps, and has recently picked up running after watching him at races.  He loves being around his family and his dog, Midnight, and can’t imagine what college life will be away from them when he moves on to University Park.  Interestingly, John and his mother spent their summer researching their heritage and found it fascinating to know that they are part Iroquois. 

            John is excited to work on his running career to see how far he can go with it.  Having success after only a short time involved in the sport things are certainly looking good for him.  Besides school and running, John loves to be outdoors, loves animals and wants all the ladies to know he’s single.  “Take it a day at a time and enjoy life,” John says with a big smile. 

John and the rest of the Penn State Cross Country team will hit the trail this Friday, September 6 at Army in West Point, New York.