After helping the Colorado School of Mines women's cross country team to a No. 15 national ranking, CSMOrediggers.com decided to chat with senior Hannah Schuster about her favorite professor, race day superstitions, and her favorite thing about Golden, among others. The following 20 questions are a part of a continuing feature at your official Internet home for Mines athletics.

A Littleton native and the RMAC Women's Runner of the Week for September 19, Schuster earned Second Team All-RMAC honors last season after a 14th-place finish at the RMAC Championships. So far this season, she has been the top finisher for the women's cross country squad in all three events, including a pair of 12th-place finishes at the CSU Open on August 31, as well as at the Woody Greeno Invitational on September 15.

A Biochemistry major, Schuster was also named Second Team Academic All-RMAC in 2011 after earning a spot on the Academic All-RMAC Honor Roll in 2010.

20 Questions With A Digger: Hannah Schuster

1. What is one thing people don't know about you?
I'm terrified of geese.

2. What is your best non-athletic talent?
I really like rock climbing and dancing, but if it's strictly non-athletic, sleeping.

3. What is the reason you chose to come to Mines?
Honestly, the opportunity to run was a big factor, Mines was the best school for me in athletics and academics. 

4. What is one moment in history would like to have witnessed?
I would have loved to see Elizabethan Plays.

5. What is your all-time favorite song?
Probably Vienna by Billy Joel, but there are too many to really choose

6. What is the hardest class you've taken at Mines?
P-Chem 2 was really tough!

7. Do you have any superstitions for race day, and if so, what are they?
Yes, many! I have oatmeal for breakfast, Hannah Cooling has to do my hair for me, I have to feel like I look nice. I tie my shoes a specific way and wear a specific sports bra, and right before I race I have a little jump warm up thing I do every time.

8. What is one item that must go with you on roadtrips?
My Kindle and a sparkly head band.

9. What is your favorite thing about Golden?
I like being in a smallish town not too far from Denver and not too far from the mountains, perfect balance.

10. Who is the biggest prankster on the women's XC squad, and who is on the men's side?
On the woman's side, maybe Marie Patton or myself, on the men's, definitely Andrew Epperson.

11. What is one word or phrase you overuse?
"Super". 

12. What would your "ideal day" consist of?
Running, sleeping, coffee, chocolate, and more sleeping.

13. Where/what is the best place to study on campus?
I like studying in the (Arthur Lakes) Library a lot, it's a good place to stay focused, or sitting on the hill outside Hill Hall.

14. What is one word to describe head coach Chris Siemers?
Spunky.

15. What is the coolest place you've competed at?
We get to go to a lot of really awesome places, like Kansas and Nebraska. I really enjoyed running at the Mt. SAC Relays last spring.

16. Who is your favorite professor at Mines?
Dr. (Charles) Vestal was my Thermo 210 professor, he is a great teacher! 

17.  What is one thing you wish you knew how to do?
Speak German.

18.  What is one normal thing you absolutely will not eat?
Apple sauce!! Gross!

19. Other than your own, what is your favorite Mines team to watch play?
I love watching football! 

20. How do you want people at Mines to remember you?
I'd like to be remembered for my dedication to my team! I hope that what we are doing this year is setting the team up for success in the future.