As fall sets in in the Forest, Wake students are lacing up their running shoes and getting ready to put in laps around the quad to fight cancer by participating in Hit the Bricks, and Sarah Bischoff has the inside scoop.
Hometown: Hanover, Pennsylvania
Major: Economics, Spanish
HC: In your own words, what is “Hit the Bricks?”
SB: Hit the Bricks is an eight hour relay race on the upper quad. All proceeds benefit the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund. Last year, we had over 100 teams participate and raised over $42,000. This year we’re looking to surpass those numbers.
HC: How is the money that is raised in the event donated/used?
SB: All of the money raised actually goes back to Wake research programs through the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund which funds cancer research at Wake Forest Baptist Health.
HC: What sorts of fun surprises can we look forward to on the day of Hit the Bricks?
SB: This year we’ll have food trucks from Camel City Grill and Kona Ice as well as free food hourly from different local vendors. We’ll also have voter registration with free ben & Jerry’s for those who register. We have “Wacky Laps” that get 10 bonus laps by completing a lap in an unconventional way, like the donut lap, where you eat a donut before you run, and the anything-but-feet lap. The night before the event we do time trials, and the fastest boy and girl each get a free class ring.
HC: What sort of work has gone into planning the event- when did planning begin?
SB: Planning began at the end of last cool year. Over the summer we did a lot of major sponsorship outreach and when we got back to campus we immediately began meeting with administrators and we’ll continue to advertise and fundraise up until the event
HC: What makes you passionate about this issue and what “Hit the Bricks” is supporting?
SB: I’m a runner- that was my first interest in Hit the Bricks. Freshman year my hall made a team and that was the first time I really saw all of Wake come together and the first time I saw something on campus I felt I could make an impact in. I made it my goal to keep increasing my involvement in Hit the Bricks. It’s definitely what I’ll look back and remember most fondly of Wake.Â
HC: What is your favorite part about the event?
SB: The best part is being able to see the unity of all of the different groups on campus through an event that allows them to fight cancer in a way that is both healthy and active, running.
HC: What’s your favorite thing to eat at the Pit?
SB: I really like cottage cheese. My friends make fun of me but I get it almost every meal. It’s great with chips!
HC: What’s the last thing that made you laugh?
SB My mom is coming to Hit the Bricks and she made a team. She’s calling it “Too Inspired To Be Tired,” which is a pretty dorky name but it’s cute so I let it stay.
HC: What’s your biggest pet peeve?
SB: I don’t like when people sniff their noses a lot- especially in class and during tests. It makes me irrationally angry.
HC: What’s your go-to Starbucks order?
SB: This will make me sound like a diva- a grande, non-fat cappuccino with sugar free vanilla.
HC: What are you most looking forward to in the rest of your senior year?
SB: I’m excited to take advantage of the other traditions Wake has like Love Feast and Wake N Shake. I’ll have a lot more time when Hit the Bricks is over so I’m hoping to get involved in all that Wake has to offer and savor the ti
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