VALDOSTA, Ga. ­– Preparing for his final postseason run and one of the biggest races this season, the Gulf South Conference Cross Country Championship on Nov. 5, Valdosta State men's cross country senior Brishen House reflects on his time at VSU and how running has shaped him as a person.  

House, who spent most of his childhood in Valdosta, Ga., said his approach to this year's GSC Championship is different than the ones before and has somewhat of an intimidating factor.  

"My goal is to push my body and mind further than I ever have before, and support my team to be in a position to do the same," House said. "If I run so hard that my legs can't take me across the finish line, then I know I achieved my goal."  

He explained that he is originally from South Florida, as his mom is from Peru and his dad is from the United States and said he moved to Valdosta when he was 11.  

"I have two brothers and a sister, all of who I love dearly," House said. "My mom and dad have been able to see me race twice, and even though they don't know much about running, they know that I'm doing good, so it makes them proud. It also makes me happy to make them proud." 

 

The cross country standout said he tries to make his days as normal as possible while also balancing the student-athlete life, time with the ROTC and being an almost college graduate. 

"I would say my days are just like anyone else's," House said. "I do everything possible to balance my life and put myself in a position to put out my best every day. I rely on my family, coach and close ones to support me through this crucible in my life, and I am extremely grateful for them."  

House also touched on his time with VSU's ROTC program and how both cross country and the ROTC allowed him to grow immensely as a person.  

"I started ROTC here at VSU in 2018, since both ROTC and cross country programs were willing to allow some compromises so I could participate in both," he explained. "Every semester ROTC presents different levels of responsibility and obligations. In my lower-classman years, I had technical skill training, while in my upper-classmen years, the training was more focused on organizational and leadership skills. I am just grateful that both cross country and ROTC were willing to work with me early on and with each other, so that I may succeed in both." 

House said on race days, his mindset is more focused and more dialed in than on a 'normal' day. 

"I try to keep race days as similar to a normal day as possible," House said. "I put myself in a position to do my best during the race. Basically, what that looks like is, I don't give my attention to anything that does not pertain to the task at hand: the race. I think one of the most challenging things for me is maintaining everything at once, my grades, ROTC, family, relationships, and running. At times I was convinced that it would all come crashing down, but thanks to God, I am able to do it all."

"I really just have to put myself in a position to do my best," House continued.  "One way I do that is through nutrition and sleep. Another way is by ridding myself of distractions so I don't have to spend any willpower trying to avoid them when I need to take care of my responsibilities. I also use a calendar and to-do list so I know what's ahead and I stay focused."  

With all of the challenges of being a student-athlete and being a part of the ROTC, House explains he has countless memories from being a part of the Blazer cross country team.  

"I simply have too many fun memories to recount," House said.  "From beach trips with the team to finishing intense races, and post-race dinners with everyone, I am grateful to have been able to experience these moments and have them in my memories." 

House came to Valdosta State after cross country head coach Todd Smoot reached out to him and displayed genuine care and interest in House's well-being and success.  "Coach Smoot is one of the main reasons I chose VSU," House said. "Additionally, I wanted to remain near my mom that lives in Valdosta."  

"Brishen's career at Valdosta State has been and continues to be stellar," Smoot added. "I believe in him as well as his teammates. Each runner always gives their best, therefore I'm confident of whatever the outcome is rounding out this competitive race season."  

House rounds out his cross country career in the upcoming weeks, and even though his time with VSU cross country might be over, his life surely won't slow down, but his mark left on the Valdosta State cross country program will be felt for years to come.