Tom Fisher entered the 2009-10 men's and women's cross country season with a unique opportunity - to start two programs from scratch and be competitive in the highly-successful Capital Athletic Conference.  This week,  CAC INTRODUCING ... focuses on the coach who has guided his teams to a pair of top three finishes in he first month of the program's history.

What is your background in the sport you coach?  Since graduating from the State University of New York at Cortland in 1992, I have trained for and completed numerous half marathons, marathons and triathlons for the last seventeen years.

What is your favorite spot on campus?  My favorite spot on campus is the wooded trails of Historic St. Mary's City for its serenity and closeness to the St. Mary's River.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?  I am active member of the SMCM Wellness Committee, I have served on several campus search committees and I am a member of the Southern District Baseball Umpire Association.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?  The most important societal issue is the global economic climate and how it affects the student and the family's ability to finance their education.

What was your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?  I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland in 1992 and the most important thing I learned were the benefits of maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?   The most influential person in my life has been Dr. Suzanne Wingate, Coordinator of the Sports Management Program when I attended SUNY Cortland.  She succumbed to cancer during my senior year; however, she provided our class the inspiration to achieve our dreams while continuing her battle with cancer.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?   They need to understand the benefits of good sportsmanship.

What is your favorite form of entertainment? My favorite form of entertainment is the television.  Without it, I would not be able to watch ESPN, Law & Order, Criminal Minds and The Unit.

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team? My favorite teams are the New York Mets, Miami Dolphins and Notre Dame University sports.  I have followed them all since I was a child.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with.  I'd like to have dinner with Don Shula, former Miami Dolphins Head Coach; Lou Holtz, former Notre Dame Football Coach; and Davey Johnson, former New York Mets Manager, so I can pick their brains about their coaching success.