RUNNING TIMES Q&A with Villanova's Emily Lipari

Lipari anchored 2013 Penn Relays wins at 4 x 800 and DMR

5 Minutes with Emily Lipari

The Villanova junior talks about relays, records and what it's like to await the baton in the anchor spot

By

John A. Kissane

Running Times

May 10, 2013

Emily Lipari arrived at Villanova University in suburban Philadelphia in the fall of 2010 as one of the nation’s finest high school prospects. She immediately stepped in to contribute, running top 5 during her first cross country season as the Wildcats, led by Canadian Sheila Reid, won a national championship for the second straight year. During the indoor season, Lipari ran the lead-off leg for the Villanova distance medley relay team that won the national title. Last March she achieved individual All-American honors in the mile indoors, and this past fall she kicked off her junior year by running No. 1 on Villanova’s cross country team and finishing 25th for the Wildcats at nationals.

Running track has been a different experience for Lipari this spring, as she no longer has Reid as a world-class teammate and mentor. But the Greenvale, N.Y., native hasn’t been rattled by the increased expectations. At the Penn Relays in April, she was named women’s athlete of the meet for relay events after anchoring Villanova’s victorious DMR and 4x800m teams. In the 4x800, Lipari closed in career-best 2:02.25 to propel Villanova to a new collegiate record (8:17.45) in the event. Running Times caught up with the five-time All-American prior to the Big East championships, where Lipari won the 1500m in 4.24.25.

For the rest of the story and an interview with Emily, go HERE.