Monday, April 6, 2015


Q&A with the’Cats – Get to know Calli Dowdy

Year in School:
Senior
Home Town: Eugene, OR
Major: Marketing

Why did you come to Linfield?
I came to Linfield for multiple reasons. First off, they offered marketing, which was obviously a huge aspect. I also really saw (and still see) a value in a liberal arts education. But what really sealed the deal is my visit here. Once I saw the campus and met the team it seemed like a no brainer that Linfield was where I wanted to spend my next 4 years.

What is your fondest memory thus far from your time at Linfield?
My fondest memory would have to be watching my boyfriend Zach and the rest of the baseball team win the National Championship. It was unbelievably exciting. When I picked him up from the bus when they got home, the excitement and joy was radiating off of them. Zach got off the bus and walked and picked me up and swung me in circles (that amount of PDA is really unusual for us), it was like being on cloud nine. Watching them do that honestly gave me so much motivation to push myself harder, because I wanted a taste of the feeling for myself. Another really great memory was being team captain. It has been pretty special to have the chance to lead this team through ups and downs. It definitely has taught me so much about being a leader, myself, people and relationships throughout a team structure. I feel honored to lead these girls through the season.


What is it that you enjoy most about cross country?

I love the team! I have loved the relationships I built here. Having a team that means so much to me always pushes me harder in workouts and races. It makes the grinding training fun and entertaining. I couldn't imagine going through cross country with out some of the girls that were there along the way.

Who is your athletic hero/role-model?
My athletic role model would have to be Mia Hamm. She really was all about the love of sport. She pushed herself to limits no one thought was possible. But she also really brought women's sports to peoples attention. One of my favorite quotes is from her, it’s: "My coach said I ran like a girl, I said if he could run a little faster he could too."

Do you crinkle your race bib number or leave it smooth?
I used to crinkle my bib for good luck. Now I let it be. I will only crinkle it a little but, so it isn't stiff when I am running.

What is your most embarrassing athletic moment?
My most embarrassing athletic moment was my junior year of high school. I was a junior link crew member, and we had to do all these activities with incoming freshman. No one in our group would kick a field goal, so I took one for the team and tried. I made it, but in the process I slipped and landed flat on my back, and got soaked because the turf was wet. I think the whole freshman class saw, and the football coach talked about it all the time… I bet he still does.

What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is Sex and the City. I own all the seasons, and the movies. I have watched the movie so many times I have lost count.

What is the most played song on your iPod?

The most played song overall would be Crystallized by Young the Giant. Recently though the song I have been listening to non-stop is One Last Night by Vaults.

What is your homepage on your computer?
My background on my computer is a picture of my grandparents circa 2000. The whole family was together crabbing at the Oregon coast, but the picture is the two of them hugging and smiling.

What words of wisdom would you offer to a college-bound high school senior?
Words of wisdom for college bound seniors would be follow YOUR heart. There are going to be a lot of outside opinions flying at you, so you need to make sure you are doing what you really want. That being said, do not be afraid to go outside what may feel comfortable. I knew nobody coming into Linfield, I was so scared, but I have never, and never will, regret that. You learn a lot about yourself in these four years, so embrace all the lessons you learn in the classroom, on the track, and on your own.
Wildcat senior Calli Dowdy leads on the track as well as off.

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