Oct. 2, 2008

GREENVILLE, S.C. -
By Willie T. Smith III, The Greenville News

If Lauren Tomory had her way, she would probably run all day every day.

Tomory, who came to Furman University to play tennis, has adopted another sport during her senior season -- cross country.

Unlike most walk-ons, Tomory has taken her new sport by storm.

Despite having no serious cross country experience, she was the Paladins' top runner in their first two competitions and was selected the Southern Conference's top runner in back-to-back weeks.

If that wasn't enough, the business administration major from Vicenza, Italy, with a 4.0 grade point average also has been selected the SoCon Student Athlete of the Week.

"I had never run competitively before," said Tomory. "I ran in three cross country races in middle school but that is about it.

"I always liked distance running. I did it for fun but I never had any clear goals. It helps with tennis, just to stay in shape. I did it for fun on winter break when there were no tennis rackets around."

Tomory contemplated taking the sport more seriously during the summer when she was working as an investment banking intern in Richmond, Va.

Mostly out of boredom, she said, Tomory competed in a 10K race and won. That stoked her competitive fire.

"After the (tennis) NCAAs in May, I thought, 'Let's see what happens if I train this summer. Maybe I'll run a lot in college,' " said Tomory. "I read an article in `Runner's World' and followed (the training regime) for a week. I was thinking 'Man, I really enjoy this.'

"I felt like I was getting faster in just a week. I loved it. I went to the cross country coach to see if it would be possible if I walked on (to the team) this year."

Furman cross country coach Gene Mullin was enthusiastic, but Tomory still needed the blessing of tennis coach Debbie Southern. Although hesitant at first, Southern gave her permission.

"Our fall season is not our main season," Southern said. "She loves to run and is a good runner. She just wanted to see if she could try it."

Although Tomory plays for a tennis team that has won 10 consecutive conference regular season titles and 10 of the last 11 conference tournament championships, she admits winning the cross country awards was exciting.

The reaction from both of her teams was positive. There was even a hand-made congratulatory sign outside the Mickel Tennis Center.

"To do two sports in one season when you're a senior looking for a job and enjoying your senior year, especially tennis and cross country because they don't balance is kind of crazy," Tomory said. "But I feel fortunate and blessed to have found it."