'Team Dad' Beckmann Leads Men's Cross Country

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. -- Family is what Central Michigan University student-athlete Mark Beckmann is all about.

Beckmann, a senior on the men's cross country and track & field team, is called "Team Dad," by his fellow athletes, and is proud of it.

"I got that title because I like being there for those athletes coming up," he said. "Especially freshmen. Making the jump from high school to college can be confusing and stressful. It's a big jump."

Beckmann said he became known as someone that would be willing to help, and the invitation is gladly accepted – especially when he hosts taco night.

"It's a favorite," he said. "We also have pasta night before a big meet. Students know my door is always open."

Jenny Swieton, CMU's director of track & field/cross country, says Beckmann is the ultimate teammate and he's delivered this season as the first Chippewa to cross the finish line in two of their three races this fall. He was second in the other race, and he leads the Chippewas into the Pre-National Invitational on Saturday at Indiana State.

"He will do anything for his team and is a great example," Swieton said. "He has the right attitude towards school, his sport and his teammates."

That dedication helped Beckmann earn Academic All-Mid-American Conference honors in cross country in each of the past two seasons, an important leadership role that Swieton said is a natural fit. She said there is no doubt he learned a lot about hard work and determination from his parents, and Beckmann agreed.

"I really couldn't have done it without their encouragement," he said. "I want to thank them along with my coaches and teammates."

Beckmann is from Waterloo, a small town in northeast Indiana. One of his high school coaches, Wade Buchs, ran at CMU from 2007-10 and suggested his alma mater to Beckmann.

Beckmann said the transition to college cross country, from the typical high school racing distance (5K) to an 8K or a 10K, the customary college distances, is a big leap physically.

"You have to be dedicated to tackle a challenge like that," he said. "I went through it, and I want to be there to help others go through it."

Like family.

"Also, my sister is a sophomore student-athlete also at CMU," Beckmann said. "She runs just like me and I couldn't be prouder."

Beckmann, a physical education major with a 3.38 grade point average, said he will plans to student teach next semester and when he graduates, he wants to be a high school teacher and coach.

"The fact that CMU has a great education program also brought me here," he said. "I can't believe this is my last year and I will be moving on."

Central Michigan University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Mark Beckmann

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