Politicians’ kids also running

BY KEVIN WOODRUFF

Wyoming County Press Examiner

With an election rapidly approaching, two politicians in the middle of their first terms in office are getting some pointers from a younger set as to what a race is  all about.

State Sen. Lisa Baker's son Carson and Congressman Chris Carney's sons Ryan and Sean are involved in a different sort of endurance test.

They will be competing today (Wednesday, Oct. 20) in the PIAA District 2 cross country championship at Scranton's Municipal Golf Course.

Baker

Carson said he knows what it means to be a competitor because he learned it from his mother.

At 17, Carson is currently a junior at Lake-Lehman High School and a member of the school's cross country team.

He said that his mother's competitive nature and confidence is something that has rubbed off on him and driven him to compete.

"I think it's helped me a lot," Carson said. "I learned from a young level that you have to be competitive and work hard in life."

He said that just watching his mother on the campaign trail showed him that you have to work hard and have commitment.

"You can't just sit back and wait for things to happen," Carson said. "My mom has taught me that hard work will always amount to something."

Carson said that in athletics and in life, a competitive spirit is important.

"Whether its athletics or a job interview, commitment is important," Carson said. "You have to go for it."

And commitment is something that is very important for a cross country runner.

"Besides just being in shape, you need to have a lot of mental commitment," Carson said. "And know how to work through the pain."

Watching his mother compete in 2006 for a spot in the Senate inspired him.

"It inspires me a lot to watch her speak," Carson said. "It helps me in life and in sports. She always keeps her cool under pressure."

Sen. Baker said that she also understands the importance of athletics in life, having played field hockey, basketball and track herself.

Carson's father Gary was also an athlete while in school playing golf, football and basketball.

"I think that the lessons you learn from teamwork and being an athlete apply to everything," Sen. Baker said.

Carney

Ryne, 17, a senior at Elk Lake, said that he remembers his father always being a competitive person.

"He's always been competitive and it's instilled a lot of competitive spirit in me," Ryne said. "He's always encouraged me to try my best."

He said that his father was the quarterback of his football team and a track athlete in school.

Ryne noted that he thinks the competitive spirit he got from his father has made him a better runner.

"Running is a sport that's almost entirely about integrity," Ryne said. "If you're a competitive person that has integrity, you'll excel."

He said that seeing his father on the campaign trail is inspiring to him.

"A lot of what my dad deals with is having to understand views that differ from his own," Ryne said. "He really cares for a lot of people and that's inspiring to me. I'm not sure if I could have that much patience."

Ryne related the task of being a successful runner to being a successful student.

"People tell me all the time that runners make the best students because of their dedication to what they do," Ryne said. "That's what will translate the most in life I think."

He also said that being around politics has made him think differently.

"My mom and father have always been people who have tried to keep me aware of what's going on in the world," Ryne said. "And it's made me a little less focused on myself and more focused on other things."

Congressman Carney said that there are life lessons to be learned from competing in athletics.

"Never fear to try, never quit and never fail to do your best," Carney said.

He explained that he's always encouraged all of his children to bring integrity, hard work and discipline into everything that they do.

"My wife Jennifer and I come from athletic backgrounds," Carney said. "I was a three-year track letterman in college and we've always encouraged our children to choose sports that they enjoy."

He said that cross country is perhaps the sport that most reveals a person's character.

"It requires dedication, a tireless work ethic and just plain guts," Carney said. "I am proud that all of my sons have these assets."

(In addition to sons Ryne and Sean competing today, son Seth, an 8^th grader, competed Saturday in the junior high championship where he finished 11^th out of 118 runners.)

Carney said that if there was one thing that Ryne and Sean could take away from being an athlete it would be that they should always do their best and always be proud of what they're able to accomplish.

"As long as he works as hard as he can, the outcome is not as important as his effort," Carney said.

As for how Ryne thinks he'll do in the District II cross country tournament, he's optimistic.

Last year Ryne finished fifth in a field of 150 boys, while his team took home a third place.

"I think our team is probably the best team in the league right now," Ryne said. "So, I think the team will do well. And as far as myself, I hope to be in the top three."

Looking ahead at his plans for the future, Ryne said he's looking to go to a small liberal arts school and keep running.

"I want to work as hard as I can for as long as I can," Ryne said. "And peak as an athlete."