Athlete of the Week: Vivian Van Eck, Minooka, senior, cross country

Van Eck took first place in the 155-competitor Normal West Invite with a time of 18:07.5, which was
32 seconds ahead of the runner-up. That helped the Indians defeat
Dunlap, 58-85, for the team title.

Herald-News sports writer Curt Herron talked with Van Eck.

Herron: What are your thoughts about this season?

Van Eck: I think that we’re going to have an overall good season with everyone running well.

Herron: What do you like most about your sport?

Van Eck: I like the challenge of it, and how you can run with different people to push yourself and that you can always get better.

Herron: How does running in cross country differ from track?

Van Eck: Track is faster since it’s the same all of the time, so you know what to expect. And with cross country, you never know what to expect in a race.

Herron: What are your favorite classes in school?

Van Eck: I really love Anatomy and also Spanish class.

Herron: What are your plans for the future?

Van Eck: I think I want to go into biology and then take it somewhere in the medical field.

Herron: Do you have any pets?

Van Eck: I have two cats, Aslan and Lucy, and a dog named Maggie.

Herron: What other things have you been involved in?

Van Eck: I’ve worked at King Neptune’s Pet World in Shorewood.

Herron: What’s your favorite type of food?

Van Eck: Pasta.

Herron: Who would you like to meet?

Van Eck: Bobby Flay, the chef on the Food Network.

Herron: Your favorite TV show?

Van Eck: I’m a big fan of “The Office,” “Parks and Recreation” and also “Criminal Minds.”

Herron: What’s your favorite type of music and artist?

Van Eck: I like all kinds of music. And I’d say Jack Johnson.

Herron: What are your favorite movies?

Van Eck: I like “Jurassic World” and also the “Harry Potter” series.

Herron: Where would you like to visit?

Van Eck: I’d like to go to Hawaii.