In The Nest: Sweet Transition to BGXC
Medical Mutual
10/18/2023
Anthony Sweet transfers into the BGXC program after competing with Western Kentucky and the Ohio State Club team. Sweet is currently studying Business within The Schmidthorst College of Business.
Q: How did you get into running?
Sweet: I grew up in a family of runners. My grandmother got into running marathons which was then passed on to my mother. Most members of my family have run competitively at some point. It runs in my blood and is something that I have cherished my entire life. I started running in kindergarten and never looked back. I used to beat up on those big bad third graders in CYO meets. I realized that running was unique from a very young age which led me to where I am today. This will be my 17th year of competitive running.
Q: What hobbies do you have outside of running?
Sweet: I love being out on the water. I grew up in Euclid, Ohio which is on Lake Erie. Whether it is taking out the old jet ski my cousins and I bought together or kayaking way off the coast to watch the sunset, it is my favorite place to be. It is also relaxing to be able to run along the lake then be able to jump in after runs to cool off.
Q: Do you have any pre race rituals? What do you do to prepare for a race?
Sweet: The night before big races, I watch Without Limits which is a movie about the life of Steve Prefontaine. It always helps me lock in and focus on the race. I also pray before every race. It is a tradition that started while I ran at Benedictine High School. I jog out about 150 meters from the start line and say an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be. After saying those three prayers I repeat the following: “St. Benedict – pray for us, Our Lady Queen of Victory – pray for us, Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration – don’t fail us now”. It helps me focus on the moment and value the opportunity at hand.
Q: As a transfer student, what are you most excited for this season?
Sweet: Transferring two-times while pursuing my undergraduate degree was one of the most challenging things I have done. Having an opportunity to join a roster as a graduate student is a privilege and puts a chip on my shoulder. Because of that chip on my shoulder, I am going to do everything in my power to build a legacy here at BGSU. I take pride in wearing the BGSU logo and want to represent it with respect. We have the opportunity to create something special. I am most excited for the opportunity to compete with the team and use that chip on my shoulder to help them in any way possible. I am especially excited to compete with them at Louisville, MAC Championships at BGSU, and regionals.
Q: Is there any teammate that you have developed a strong bond with during your time at BG?
Sweet: I have developed a strong relationship with Micah Bentley. Micah is a freshman that exemplifies everything that a student-athlete should be. I have no doubt that Micah is special and will do great things for the BGSU XC/T&F program. His attitude and work ethic are unmatched. He is willing to go the extra mile and has the discipline to be great. I am excited for the next 1.5 years at BGSU with Micah.
Q: What achievement are you most proud of, running or non-running related?
Sweet: It may be a little generic to say this, but my greatest achievement was never giving up on my goal. Transferring twice as an undergraduate student was mentally draining. It came with its highs and lows but every day I woke up with the same goal in mind. I never questioned my love for running and my drive to compete. I have always held myself to a higher standard because being average is not gratifying. No matter what your passion is, I believe you should go about it with confidence and respect. My greatest achievement was not at a specific time or place, it was persistence over a several years to achieve a lifelong goal.
Q: Being a 2x NIRCA National Qualifier, is there a person that helped you achieve such an accomplishment?
Sweet: I would like to thank my family for is there understanding to my situation. I have touched on the aspect of transferring a lot but that is only because it made me who I am today. I could not have gotten to this point alone. Ever since I was a child, my parents would be at every sporting event that I competed in. Whether it was running, basketball, swim team, or baseball, they were always in the stands supporting. After I decided to transfer from Kent State University to Western Kentucky University, they were incredibly supportive. Again, when I decided to transfer from Western Kentucky University to Ohio State University, they were supportive. They had their questions and concerns but only because they wanted what was best for me. They knew that I had a dream of running at the collegiate level and were understanding of the sacrifices it took. The life of a student-athlete is not all sunshine and rainbows. There can be a lot of highs and a lot of lows, but they were there for both. I am grateful for everything they have done for me and would not have been able to make it through this process without them.
Q: What is your favorite place to eat off campus in BG?
Sweet: My favorite place to eat off-campus is Beckett’s Burger Bar. The staff is incredibly friendly, and the overall service was great. They have a lot of unique burgers that hit the spot. You really can’t go wrong!
Q: Do you have a favorite spot anywhere in the world that you have gone to or want to go to?
Sweet: Most of our family vacations growing up were to national parks. We have been to most of the national parks, but one hike sticks out to me. While at Yosemite National Park, we did a 16.5-mile hike called Half Dome. Hiking to the top of half dome was one of the most incredible experiences. To reach the top, you had to trek up the steep incline while holding onto steel cables. It was a strenuous hike but once we reached the top, it is gorgeous! I would recommend checking out pictures.
Q: As a business student, what are your career goals after graduating from Bowling Green?
Sweet: Upon graduation from BGSU, I will be pursuing a career in investment or commercial banking because I am intrigued by the dynamics of capital markets, particularly within the realm of mortgage-backed securities. My specific interest in mortgage-backed securities stems from their critical role in housing finance and investment portfolios.
