Delmott

If anyone on the Emporia State cross country squad knows how to balance work and play, it’s senior ecology and biodiversity major Skyler Delmott.

“He’s really been known to pull off some pranks,” said Cross Country Head Coach David Harris. “He’s good natured, but also terrifically serious about his running and his performances.”

Delmott, an Emporia native, has been the team’s leader and overall best runner this season. His leadership abilities have been an integral part of the Hornets’ success.

“Skyler has some strong values, and he’s got the determination to be the best that he can be – that’s why he is the leader of our distance group, for the most part,” Harris said. “I think people look at Skyler as the hardest worker on our team. I think that helps everybody on our team say, ‘I want to be like him. I want to be at the front of the races just like he is.’ I think the ability for him to lead by example is tremendous for our program.”

Harris strongly believes that Delmott’s leadership skills are a big part of who he is and what his future will entail.

“He has the qualities of a leader, and that’s helped him in everything that he’s done, whether it’s school or it’s running or his personal life,” Harris said. “He has goals and he continues to go after those goals.”

Delmott stated that going to ESU for college seemed like the best fit for him because of the importance of both athletics and academics.

“I chose Emporia State because it was the best option for me, money-wise and major-wise,” Delmott said. “I came in as a freshman and fit right in with the team. The older guys showed me the way, and after they graduated, I was able to impart their knowledge onto the new guys coming in… It’s been a great experience.”

On Oct. 13, the ESU men’s cross country squad squeezed into the South Central Region rakings, earning the number nine spot on the list. While this would be of importance to most, Delmott has taken it in stride.

“I’m not too concerned with the rankings right now,” Delmott said. ”When we go down and run at regionals, those rankings will mean nothing on race day. It is nice to be recognized as a school that is in the top ten.

“We (the team) made it a goal to try and knock some of the other teams off to get back on there, which we’ve succeeded at so far.”

Delmott said several people helped contribute to his success.

“Probably my parents for their support throughout my high school and college career, my high school coach because he really helped get me started and of course Coach Harris and all of the assistant coaches here at Emporia State because they’ve all trained me throughout my college career,” Delmott said.

Junior business administration major and teammate Adam McGovern attested to the presence Delmott brings to the team.

“Skyler’s pretty energetic before practice and whatnot, and during practice, especially on workout days, he’s up there leading and he’s pretty serious,” McGovern said. “He’s there to get the job done – he’s probably one of the hardest working guys on the team.”

While participating in cross country at a high level, Delmott also takes part in a rigorous and successful academic course schedule.

“He’s a good student…he is truly a student-athlete,” Harris said. “He has some tough classes, but he works hard at those classes.”

Harris, along with Delmott himself, has high expectations for the senior runner this season.

“Last year he made the Nationals in track and field, this year he’ll go back and have an excellent shot at being an All-American,” Harris said.

Delmott said he would like to go to Nationals and do well at conference.

Harris said that during the recruiting process, high character, high dedication guys are the ones that he tries to bring in to run for his program. According to Harris, Delmott fits the bill.

“He’s just a good natured guy – he’s a good guy to be around,” Harris said.

Shane Wilson/The Bulletin

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