NAIA Student-Athlete Spotlight

Simon Fraser University (B.C.)

Women's Cross Country

Posted 09.05.06

Name: Rebecca Johnstone

NAIA School: Simon Fraser University

Year: Senior

Major: Kinesiology

Sport: Cross Country

Hometown: Bowen Island, BC

Simon Fraser cross country runner Rebecca Johnstone’s 18th place finish in the 2005-06 national championship meet helped the Clan grab their third consecutive NAIA National Cross Country Championship. This year, as an upper classmen, Johnstone hopes to help lead top-ranked Simon Fraser to a fourth National Championship. Johnstone said through mutual encouragement, support and respect, the 2006-07 team should carry on the Clan’s tradition at nationals. Simon Fraser University will kick off its season Sept. 9 at the Pinetree Cross Country meet at Mundy Park, New Westminster. Click here for more information on NAIA women's cross country.

Name: Rebecca Johnstone

Nickname: Becks

Dream Travel Destination: Italy and Spain

Most Prized Possession: My pillow and my coffee

Morning Jog or Sleep In?  Sleep in!!!!!!

Strangest eating habit? I love spinach and cabbage salads

Dog Person or Cat Person? Cat peron

Favorite Color: Pink

Favorite Type of Music: Country

Favorite Food: Oatmeal crisp cereal(dry)

Coffee or Tea: Both

Strangest thing you have brought to practice? Really big sun glasses

Favorite thing to do outside of cross country? Sleep and go out for coffee

Dream Job: News Broadcaster

Favorite movie of all time: The Fugitive

Favorite thing about Simon Fraser University: My track team

What does your team stand for? Unity, strength and determination

What qualities and character traits do you bring to your team? Determination and dedication

How do you incorporate the NAIA Champions of Character values (respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership, and sportsmanship) into your role on the cross country course?       
When I train with my team I feel that it is essential to work together, to
work to stay with or as close to the person in front of you.  I do this and so does the rest of my team.  I also try to support and encourage my teammates to make sure that everyone keeps strong mentally.  I believe that support and respect can give people the confidence to push themselves harder and further than they ever thought they could go.

What is your best cross country memory from your time at the Simon Fraser University? 
In my second year (2003) we won regionals at Jerico Beach. We were not expected to win, but we raced as a team and we raced strong. Throughout the race we ran in a stream of blue. Our coaches and team were screaming at us, and they couldn't stop as our one through five runners all finished less than 30 seconds apart.  It was the most exciting experience to share with our team, and we then went on to win NAIA Cross Country Nationals that year.

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