Senior cross country and track star Loris Hutterli, from Zurich, Switzerland, is one of the toughest competitors to suit up in a Georgia State jersey this year. As a Panther, Hutterli has compiled many accomplishments while also helping to improve his teammates, his coaches, and himself.
“Loris has great leadership qualities,” Cross Country and Track Coach Chris Woods said. “Having a leader like that on the team makes it easier on my end.”
Woods said Hutterli leads by being one of the most out-spoken members of the team, and he leads by example. Hutterli makes a point to make sure the team is on the right track even when the coaches are not around.
“I know the workouts will get done as long as Loris is around,” Woods said.
Hutterli also possesses a fierce competitive drive which has helped him continue his development into one of Georgia State’s top athletes.
“I like to run,” Hutterli said. “I like to compete against other people. That is what keeps me motivated.”
Hutterli experienced success as a runner at a young age. When he was 15 years old he won his first of two Youth National Cross Country Championships in Switzerland.
Hutterli said winning a big race is a great feeling that always provides a confidence boost.
“Obviously running a good time or setting a new personal record feels good,” he said. “But winning a race just means more. It means in the end you were just the toughest out there.”
Woods, a former All-American runner at Mississippi State University, said Hutterli has the qualities of an elite runner.
“Ask him how many miles he has ran this week,” Woods said, “He can tell you exactly how far he has run.” Woods said this type of attention to detail is a trait that Hutterli has in common with some of the top runners he has seen.
“He has some elite qualities,” Woods said. “But he has some work to do to become a ‘complete’ elite athlete.”
Hutterli said he is always focused on improving and thinks he is headed in the right direction.
“I have improved a lot within the last year,” he said. “I’m definitely stronger. I am a lot better over longer distances.”
Athleticism is a characteristic that is in abundance in the Hutterli family. Hutterli’s father competed for the Swiss National Cross Country team. Hutterli gained admiration for the sport after watching his father compete.
“I went to a couple of his races and I wanted to do it too,” he said. “That’s how I got started.” Hutterli’s younger sister Ronia currently plays tennis for Gardner Webb University.
“My whole family is athletic,” Hutterli said.
Hutterli, who was forced to red-shirt during the 2008 Cross Country season due to injury, is currently a fifth year senior and began grad school in the fall of 2009. He is majoring in finance.
Prior to coming to America, Hutterli did not have an opportunity to visit Georgia State or even the city of Atlanta. He said strong over the phone recruiting from the Panthers coaching staff played a big role in his decision to come to Georgia State.
Hutterli works hard to out run competion
Hutterli’s leadership skills and work ethic have proven to be assets any coach would kill for
Published: Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Updated: Wednesday, March 17, 2010
 "Photo: N/A")
Loris Hutterli from Zurich, Switzerland.
Be the first to comment on this article!