Each Wednesday of the fall semester we'll be bringing you "Get to Know Them" profiles of current Slippery Rock student-athletes as we shine a light on who our athletes are outside of their sport. Next up, we check in with Benjamin Buckless of the men's cross country and track & field teams. 

QUICK BIO
Buckless, an exercise science major from Perryville, Pennsylvania, is a two-time PSAC Championship qualifier along with having competed in the NCAA Division ll Atlantic Region Cross Country Championships last season, where the sophomore ran a career-best time in the 10K. Additionally, Buckless proved to be a solid contributor for The Rock indoor track & field team last season, recording a season-best time of 15:49.54 in the 5,000-meter run.

IN HIS OWN WORDS
Q: When did you realize you were a college-level caliber athlete? 
A: I'd have to say my senior year of high school. That's when I realized I had a knack for long distance running. 

Q: What made you choose Slippery Rock?
A: My high school coach who was a great mentor to me. She attended SRU back in the early 2000's and guided me to where I am today. 

Q: What is the best piece of advice you have received? Who was it from?
A: "Learn to let things go and grow from your mistakes, for failure is the best teacher," is something my father taught me. 

Q: What teammate are you closest too?
A: Noah Yake for sure. 

Q: How do you hope to be remembered at Slippery Rock?
A: I hope to be remembered as the guy who took a lot of photos and jogged a considerable amount. 

Q: Favorite athlete of all-time? Why?
A: Muhammad Ali. He was simply the greatest. 

Q: Which teammate makes the best playlists? What is on those playlists?
A: Shannon Dooley easily. He makes the best playlists for any kind of run we go on with a lot of variety. 

Q: Where did you go on your favorite vacation and when was it? Who did you go with?
A: I went to Cancun back in 2013 with my family. It was easily the most beautiful place I have ever been. 

Q: Where is one vacation destination you haven’t been yet, but is definitely going to happen?
A: Japan! I plan on making my way through Kyoto, Okinawa, Tokyo and Hiroshima. 

Q: In your opinion, what has been your best individual performance in a collegiate event? 
A: The Kent State 5K stands out to me. I'd say its the best executed race I've had so far in my career. 

Q: What do you do to get away from your sport?
A: Photography, meditation, martial arts, hiking, biking, art and watching films. 

Q: Do you have a name for your car?
A: Yes. Her name is Calypso. 

Q: What would the best super power be?
A: Shapeshifting like Beast Boy. 

Q: Which cartoon character do you think you’re most like? Why?
A: Aang. I relate to him in many ways and I'm also a vegetarian. 

Q: What’s one fashion trend you wish would come back?
A: Zoot Suits. 

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