Marathoner to toe the line for CBU

Marathoner to toe the line for CBU

Adam Scheinberg ready to don CAPER orange

By Corey LeBlanc

SYDNEY – It would not be an exaggeration to say that running has always been a part of Adam Scheinberg's life.

"I ran my first 2k when I was five," the Ottawa native said.

By the time he was 10, the student-athlete finished his first 5k, while he logged his inaugural 10k distance as a 15-year-old. "I love it," Scheinberg offered.

As for what stokes that passion, he pointed to the motivation he garners during training sessions with his cousin, who is an accomplished marathoner, which he described as "super motivating." He also draws inspiration from the athletic accomplishments of another cousin who has a podcast and writes for a national running magazine; not to mention his maternal uncle, who has pedaled with Team Canada in cycling.

"I am excited about trying something new," Scheinberg – a third-year Bachelor of Community Studies (Sport and Physical Activity Leadership) – said of joining the Cape Breton University (CBU) CAPERS varsity track and field program this season.

He added, "I am super happy and thankful." That opportunity developed during his studies as an intern with CBU strength and conditioning head coach Aubrey Landry.

When it comes to his recruiting story, CAPERS head coach John Hudec described it as "a little bit of an unusual story." While his track and field student-athletes were participating in a testing session with Landry – and Scheinberg – during the CAPERS' training camp, Hudec remembered "chatting with Adam," a conversation that unearthed his background as a distance runner.

"We are always looking for more," the CBU head coach offered of athletes who cover long distances; not only as part of the CAPERS' track and field program, but also its growing CBU cross country club team. Noting that he has "a lot of potential," Hudec added, "It is going to be exciting to see what he can do."

Since recovering from an injury he suffered in the Cape Breton Fiddlers Marathon last month, the CAPERS' mentor noted that Scheinberg jumped into his training with the program. Hudec expects him to compete in the 1,500 and 3,000-metre distances for the CAPERS.

"It is up to us [the CBU coaching staff) to help Adam find those other gears in his endurance engine," Hudec explained. Scheinberg said, "I am open to going back," of focusing on shorter distances. And, he added, with a laugh, "I am looking forward to maintaining my youth."

Becoming a CAPER student-athlete is the latest highlight of his time in Cape Breton and at CBU. "Everyone has been super friendly," Scheinberg said. After starting his studies at Algonquin College in his home city, followed by a "couple of gap years," he turned his attention to CBU's SPAL program.

"I hadn't found anything quite as unique," Scheinberg, who has his personal training certification, explained of the educational opportunities offered on the Sydney campus.

In his first varsity track and field campaign, he plans to focus on improving and achieving personal bests. "It is going to be exciting," Scheinberg said of "trying something new" with the CAPERS. He added, of embracing the chance to compete, "It will be great. I can wait to prove myself."

As for his move to the East Coast – one that has already been fulfilling academically and athletically – it has also helped Scheinberg satisfy his passion for the ocean.

"I just love it here," he said.