Freshman Spotlight: Allison Francis

Over the course of the season, BGSU Athletic Communications will introduce three freshmen runners from the women's cross country team and three from the men's team. The third of this three-part segment will spotlight Allison Francis.

The redshirt freshman from Grosse Point Woods, Michigan earned eight varsity letters in cross country and track and field at Grosse Pointe North High School. She was a three-time state cross country finalist, earning all-region and all-district honors each of those years. Francis competed in all four meets so far for the Falcons. She ran personal best times at the Louisville Cross Country Classic (5k 18:28.86) and Indiana State Pre-National Invitational (6k 23:07.7). In her time at BGSU, she plans to study history and political science.

Why and when did you start running?:
I started running my freshmen year of high school. I started running because of the motivation of my teacher and high school coach, Scott Cooper. He was one of my favorite teachers in middle school and eventually became a great mentor to me. He recruited me a lot, every time I saw him asked if I was going to join the high school cross country team, even though we both knew I didn't run much. He encouraged me to try something that wasn't quite in my comfort zone and was different; because of him I took this chance (which was out of character for me because I was really shy and not a risk taker). It surprised us both when I ended up becoming one of the best on the team!

Biggest goal for Falcon career:
Seeing how fast I can become and hopefully breaking into the 17 minute range eventually.

Pre-race superstitions:
I don't really have any weird superstitions before a race, but I do like to keep everything the same each day I race. Starting from high school running to the present the pre-race breakfast is always oatmeal and right before I leave to get on the starting line I always I have to do the drills/warm up routines I learned when I first started racing. They just make me feel more comfortable and ready. So if I had a superstition it would probably be to keep every preparation right before the race the same.

Favorite memory with the team so far:
I've had so many good memories with the team it's hard to pick. I do really like the moments when we jam out to our favorite songs driving to and from practice locations (even if it's 7am and the whole town's still asleep!).

Difficulties you have had to overcome in your career:
I'd say redshirting last year was a difficulty. Not being able to be in uniform for the first season ever and not being able to compete in those big meets did wear on my confidence a bit. Still, I worked to my best effort at every practice last year and it paid off this year with me reaching one of my goals of being on the travel squad for the MAC Championships.

Best race you have ever had:
The best time I've ever run a 5K was at Louisville this year with an 18:28, but the race that sticks out to me the most in my life is my senior year Regionals race back in high school. My whole high school career had been leading up to this point and I had two big goals to still accomplish to leave a legacy before graduating. I wanted to break into the 18 minute range and I wanted to gain a high placement on our school record board. I was really nervous and a little stressed that I had not been able to break out of the 19 minute range yet that season (and I had come close many times). I knew it was a fast course and I just really tried to keep myself mentally positive throughout the whole race. I ended up with an 18:53 and had the biggest smile on my face crossing the line. To this day, I am still No. 5 on the Grosse Pointe North all-time best cross country runners.

Who is most played on your iPod?:
My favorite band, Panic! At the Disco

What is on your bucket list?:
Traveling to Europe is at the top of my list. More specifically, traveling to England to visit all the historical sites I've read about. Medieval/Renaissance history in England has been a great favorite of mine to study and I would like to visit sites like The Tower of London, Henry VIII's palaces, look at certain artifacts, etc. It would really bring history alive for me.

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?:
My favorite dessert, Tiramisu

Secret talents:
I can dominate anyone at Lord of the Rings trivia.

Fun fact about yourself:
My passion has always been learning and studying history ever since elementary school. One day I'd like to share my passion with others through a career in museum/historical site work.

Favorite inspirational quote:
My favorite quote: "Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien

Nicknames people have called you:
The typical one of course, Ally. My coaches in high school used to call me Al and even Franie (for my last name). Some of my teammates insist on calling me by my middle name, Grace... I usually prefer just being called Allison.

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