Christopher Newport senior Aaron Zook thoroughly enjoys “The Great Outdoors.”  In addition to distance running for the Captains, he enjoys participating and following a variety of outdoor activities and personalities.  Zook also stays “grounded” in regards to important issues, such as the need to be in touch with social issues like voting and just having fun.   INTRODUCING … Aaron Zook.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play?   I grew up in a family of runners.  My dad coached at the collegiate level for almost 25 years, and I started running in 7^th grade.  I ran cross country, and the mile and 2 mile in high school, and eventually progressed up to the 5k and 10k.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?   I’m a communication major.  I’ve learned through my time at CNU that it’s impossible for us to be separated from our past.  The experiences that we go through shape us permanently and uniquely.  Nobody has the same life that we do, and vice versa.

What is your favorite spot on campus?  I like to sit on the balcony of the President’s press box in the stadium.  It gives you a really cool view of campus, and there’s never anybody up there.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place visit?   I love being in the mountains around my house, either running, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, or just hanging out.  That’s the best relaxation for me, I feel completely at home.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?   I go to a local church and I have a job on campus.  Between those commitments, the team, and homework, I have plenty to keep me busy.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.   My sophomore year, a teammate and I ran our first 10k at the William and Mary Invitational.  It was a nice cool evening race under the lights, and we ended up running the 2^nd and 3^rd times on the CNU all-time top ten list.  That will always stick with me. 

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?  I’d say voting.  I’m not particularly interested in politics right now, but I think it’s important for my generation to stay involved with what’s happening in the world.  It’s easy to say that you don’t care, but that’s the easy way out.  We need to force ourselves to be involved.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?   I love watching movies because you can pick a different movie depending on your mood.  I don’t watch much TV and I don’t play video games.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?   Don’t let people stress you out, middle school and high school will work out.  Just have fun being with your friends and learning new things.

Outside of the CAC, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?   I don’t keep up with many professional sports, but my family and I have always been University of Virginia fans.  Tommy Caldwell and Chris Sharma are awesome rock climbers that I like following.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?   George Clooney, because he always knows what to say.  Ronald Reagan, because he has hilarious wisdom/advice.  And Lance Armstrong, because I want to know what goes on in that man's head.