Profile: Liberty cross country senior owns the course

To some, life is a race. It has a start, a middle and an end. Senior cross-country runner Nick Doan knows what it takes to run this race and feels that just like when he is preparing for a race, life often takes training.

 “I think a word of encouragement would be, perseverance and discipline are some of the best gifts the Lord will ever give you,” Doan said. “I think that has been a consistent theme throughout my whole life.”

Running was not always in the picture for Doan. A lack of playing time on his soccer team his sophomore year of high school led him to
the sport. 

“I fell in love with indoor track because a lot of the guys from the team (soccer) told me about a $5 race where I ran a lap and a half – it’s called the 550, and I was a second off from qualifying,” Doan said. “Ever since then I quit soccer and pursued running.”

Assistant Coach Isaac Wendland has had a lot of one-on-one time with Doan since Doan came to the team as a transfer from Portland, and he emphasized Doan’s energy and willingness to lead.

Doan works with his teammates to help guide them through their time at Liberty.

“I try to encourage people to live the Christian life, to love on people,” Doan said. “I just try to be an example and be a big voice for the team.”

Wendland has seen a lot of change over his time at Liberty. Having joined the coaching staff in January, Wendland has already watched the players grow in the short time he has coached the team. 

“I think he (Doan) has gained a lot of confidence – last year was one of his best indoor seasons,” Wendland said. “Building off of that and him knowing that he belongs with some great collegiate runners is just seeing him believe in himself more.” 

K.J. Jugar | Liberty Photography
SPEED — Doan was runner-up in the ASUN steeplechase.

Doan knows from experience that there is more to sports than just his performances in the races. He leads through his words and actions, and according to Wendland, Doan sets an example for the rest of the team to follow.

Wendland admires Doan’s ability to lead without fear of the opinions of his teammates.

“I think some things that stand out about Nick are his energy, his vulnerability and his spiritual leadership that he adds to the team,” Wendland said. “He is not only interested on the guys being better athletes, but I think he really dives into some deep stuff as well when he has the opportunity to talk to them.” 

The team’s focuses for this year are discipline, sacrifice and passion. Wendland believes that Doan is an example of all three of these traits.

Doan admits that it is hard sometimes to manage his heavy plate, balancing a social life, taking 18 credits and being engaged to be married with the many hours and miles he spends running. He has been able to find a balance and it is something he seeks God’s support for.

“Sometimes when I feel like I am juggling a lot of balls I pray throughout the day for the Lord to give me strength,” Doan said.

A stress fracture his senior year of high school led him to his faith, and that faith has been something that has only grown in his time at Liberty.

“A lie that many people believe is that there are not that many people that love God,” Doan said. “Liberty has been a great place to be exposed to many people and cultures as an encouragement to act out in your faith with other
believers.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *