An interview with the Bohans: Ken (Class of 1984) and Shea (Class of 2019)

This Pandemic Papers series has expanded beyond what I envisioned, and for that I am grateful and humbled. It’s definitely expanded the writing workload, but it’s truly a “labor of love” … which brings me to today’s chapter on the father-daughter duo of Ken and Shea Bohan. The past four years while Shea has been on the team (2015-2019, Shea just graduated this past year) have been a blur of positive emotions and love, as I was able to reconnect with my old friend and captain – Bo, Class of 1984 – while watching his daughter flourish into perhaps the greatest “winner” we’ve ever had in our women’s track/XC program. Every great moment our women’s program has had during those past four years and 12 seasons, Shea had a knack of being right in the middle of it.

So today’s Quarantine Questions are to both father (Bo) and daughter (Shea), similar questions from slightly different angles. As a result, once again it is a big longer than normal; I hope readers of the blog do not mind. But in this time of limited mobility and being mostly shut in our respective homes, longer reads are probably more acceptable than usual. Here, then, is today’s tandem Pandemic Papers with K-Bo and Shea.

Describe your very different (and separated by a few decades) paths to attending Marist College. 

Bo: Were you recruited or was it just assumed that a Friar runner from St. Anthony’s High School becomes a Red Fox, back then?

Shea: Refresh my memory on your recruiting process. I think it started with an email to me?

Bo: Unlike the opening lines of John L. Parker's "Once A Runner," coming out of St. Anthony’s, I was not a 4:30 miler yet! That being said, I had been contacted by then-Marist coach Rich Stevens, and was flattered by the interest. I believe Rich was who started a kind of pipeline of Friars to Poughkeepsie. In the early spring of 1980, I took my visit and told the coach that if I got accepted I'd be proud to be a Red Fox. To be sure, acceptance was no guarantee, but Coach Stevens seemed confident, and eventually my best friend and teammate Charlie Munn and I were on our way to Marist.

Shea: I actually was very against going to Marist (both my parents went to Marist so I tried to be a rebellious 17-year-old). I didn’t love any of the schools I had officially visited, so I decided to email Pete late November of my senior year. I remember driving up to Marist for my official (visit) with my dad, I was still saying there was no way I would go to a school that BOTH my parents went to; 24 hours later I had fallen in love with Marist, the team and both crazy coaches. Coming out of St. Anthony’s and joining a team that had four of my Friar teammates on it also encouraged my decision to be a Red Fox.

Your experiences at Marist were vastly different because they were separated by several decades, but by the same token there were some similarities. 

Bo: Describe your time as a student and as a runner at Marist. And describe the differences between when you/we were here vs. Shea's experience. What are your fondest running memories from your years at Marist?

Shea: What are some of your fondest memories from your time as an athlete here? I know there are many!

Bo: Well, the early 1980s version of Marist College and the current school couldn't be more different. Academically, athletically and aesthetically, I'd say the only constant was the beauty of the Hudson River, and the steady stewardship of President Murray. Oh, and the fact that we still have no track facility. President Murray really deserves credit for transforming a small former Catholic school into an internationally known and respected place of higher learning. When I started, the campus was less than a third the size it is now, all the classrooms were in Donnelly, and we had a Pub in the basement of Champagnat, clearly different times. I'd say the greatest similarities connecting the different eras, ours and Shea's, are the closeness and loyalty of the Marist community and the love of team. As I'm sure you remember Pete, the numerous coaching changes and the obstacles that came with them put the team concept at the forefront of our focus as student athletes. I believe that those challenges led to lifelong friendships with the guys who were upperclassmen when I arrived, all the way to the freshmen who got there on my way out.

Having had the privilege to hang around the men's and women's programs these last four years and witness firsthand the incredible group of young people you and Chuck assemble each year has really been fun. Seeing the support of past generations is truly a testament to how far you have brought the program. Having the best student athletes in the MAAC and seeing all the success they achieve as runners and people is really inspiring. You can see the freshmen really want to own their own part of what it means to be on a great team at a great place, I know Shea did, and that is a credit to the coaches and the school, but also all of us who came before. 

While I loved to race and compete in the Red and White, my fondest memories as a runner at Marist always have been about training. The shared daily grind, the commitment to oneself and the greater good of team, truly the miles of trials and trials of miles, to quote Parker again. Thirteen milers in driving rain, runs over the Bridge in searing heat, 20x400 on the old Poughkeepsie High School track and the run back to campus, exhausted but exhilarated, all the miles at Ogden Mills or Roosevelt and the hundreds of hills at the Psych Center, those are the memories I cherish, hammering with teammates, damn to be young again!

Shea: I don’t even know where to begin. I am fond of almost every memory I had as a Marist athlete, from sitting in the caf for 7 hours after a long run to sprinting across infields to give post-race PR hugs. My favorite race memory has to be outdoor ECACs my junior year when we won and set the school record in the 4x8 from the slow heat. After our heat we went into the stands (Me, Jenna Robinson, Kerry Gaye, and Denise Grohn) to watch the next heat, we had no idea we could win the entire thing until the fourth leg started in the fast heat. I remember being tackled by other teammates and everyone screaming on the top of their lungs when we found out. Outside of running, I think something I miss the most is just the athletic community. I loved walking around campus and seeing all of my friends from different teams. I think that’s something me and my dad can both relate to from our time at Marist.

How did Marist prepare you for your post-collegiate careers (non-athletic)?

Bo: You were a communication major with me, right? How did you go from there to FDNY and describe your career path?

Shea: Your career is just starting. Tell us what you are doing now and how Marist prepared you for what you are doing now.

Bo: So yeah, I majored in Communications and wanted to go into journalism when I graduated. Actually Pete, if I remember correctly, you followed me into the internship at the Poughkeepsie Journal. So, I got out of school and took a job at a small publishing company that put out safety and security newsletters for schools, hotels, and hospitals. The guy I shared writing duties with was a graduate of the University of Georgia, and he happened to be waiting for his number to be called to go into the FDNY. Honestly, up to that point I never even considered it. Long story short, a couple years pass, and I'm writing for a weekly newspaper, selling running shoes and coaching at Stony Brook on an interim position. Brian, the guy from Georgia, sends me a packet with all the info to take the FDNY test, and a letter saying he thought it would be a good fit for me. I thought it over and decided I’d give it a go. A couple months of serious training and classes, and I got in the first class off the next test and was sworn in, in June of 1990. On a side note, I kept my column at the weekly paper for another decade or so.

Shea: The term post-collegiate still doesn’t seem real to me, but I think Marist taught me to get outside of my comfort zone and roll with the punches. I actually just passed my 6-month mark of working/living in NYC. I work for a tech company call Next Jump, we are an ecommerce platform for all Fortune 1000 companies. We also just started developing HR apps for the Navy, Air Force and other Fortune 500 companies. I studied environmental science in college, so this transition into the business world was weird at first as I am surrounded by engineers most of the time. Each day is different, so I definitely find myself rolling with the punches often.

How are you both dealing with the Coronavirus situation right now? Where are you, how has it affected your work and your running life and what are your thoughts on this situation?

Bo: Compare this pandemic to 9/11. They are different for obvious reasons but similar in subtle ways. How can you compare them?

Shea: You grew up in the shadow of 9/11. It obviously affected you and your family and extended family deeply. What lessons do you think we can learn from that moving forward?

Bo: The current world health crisis has obviously been taxing on all of us. We are blessed that for the past two weeks and for the foreseeable future we are all together in South Carolina. We are also healthy. Watching the situation unfold in NYC has been heartbreaking. As a retired first responder in the City, I can tell you there is a shared frustration on the front lines that throwing manpower and resources at the problem will not fix it. Comparing anything to that day in 2001 is never easy. That being said, the need for New Yorkers and Americans to come together in mutual support of each other reminds me of the days and weeks that followed the attacks. The scope of this thing is just so crazy, it’s tough to wrap your mind around it. It’s a daily struggle for us all, and it is hard to not let it consume your every thought. So, we have been going for long walks, getting our runs in and trying to spend some time on the Lake, things that we can control.

Shea: I’m actually in South Carolina right now, our company has been working from home now for three weeks so I knew I could work remotely anywhere. My sister and I made the decision to leave NYC, so we packed up my Jeep and drove 12 hours to my dad’s house here on Lake Murray, SC. I think the Coronavirus is difficult for me and people my age to wrap our heads around still. I can relate it to 9/11 as well, as this is a time of uncertainty for everyone in every aspect of everyday life. I think what I remember most from 9/11 and the years to follow was the support and love. I was surrounded by hundreds of people who risked their lives each day to help New York. We received thousands of letters and phone calls from people all over the country. We were able to DO things to help, or BE THERE (in person) for everyone. Even if it wasn’t helping, it made us feel like we were doing something for others and I think that is the hardest thing about the Coronavirus. My dad keeps reminding me that by staying home we are helping people, this is something we are both struggling to wrap our heads around. Another major thing I think we need to remember, reach out to people. Loved ones, friends, people you haven’t spoken to in years … just do it.

Talk about your post-collegiate running and how it may be helping you deal with this current pandemic?

Bo: Your post-collegiate running career is a lot longer than Shea's, recap all you did since graduating from Marist in 1984.

Shea: You just graduated what seems like 10 minutes ago, but you are still running and running strong. What are some of your post-collegiate goals, once running (and everything else) returns to normal?

Bo: After graduating, I kind of became a recreational runner for the first year, trying to focus on work. I soon realized that I needed more. So, I started training again and soon was running with the distance guys at Stony Brook and competing on the roads for Schwabs 2nd Wind, a running specialty store where I also worked. Soon after that I began training with, competing for and working at Super Runners Shop. This led to all kinds of breakthroughs for me as a runner, as I was training with very accomplished athletes. As importantly, it was a team in every sense of the word, back to two-a-days, high mileage and traveling to races all over the Northeast. Then I joined another team, the FDNY. The FDNY when I was hired was basically the guys locker room anyone who has ever been on a team can relate to. That's how I've always described it, it was all the best aspects of being on a team all the time. You worked out, ate and went to work as a unit! I was in heaven and we had a running team and archrival to boot!

I had the privilege of competing in an FDNY (still in the red and white) singlet both nationally and internationally in every event from the mile to the marathon. Man, we ran a lot of miles and drank a lot of beer and I got to meet so many great men and women along the way, way too many of whom are no longer with us. So, my competitive days extended well into my 40s and it was a blast the whole way! I feel really lucky to still be able to get out the door every day for 3-5 miles and my "races" now are just a fun run on Thanksgiving and maybe St. Patrick’s Day.

Shea: I think running is one of the only things keeping me sane right now, as things are moving SO fast at work strategy wise. I’m super lucky to be away from people down here, so I’ve been running higher mileage just to clear my mind. I took about 15 weeks off from running after graduating (injury ended my last spring season), so I was very glad to start running again when I was able to. I slowly built back up and now I run around 60 miles a week depending on how I feel. I hadn’t placed any running goals for myself after college, I just wanted to fall back in love with running for myself. I raced the Tower to Tunnels 5k in September in an FDNY singlet, it was more of a day for my dad, the FDNY and my family/friends. When everything returns to normal I’ll think about racing some 5ks, we will see though. Right now (well before Coronavirus), I was running in Central Park every day. I meet Jordan (Casey) most mornings in the park before work, I think we are both just enjoying running without any pressure right now.

Getting back to 9/11 for a moment. I know you could probably write a book on that, but what thoughts and memories can you share from that terrible tragedy?

Bo: As a proud FDNY, you have dealt with so much loss -- then and in the ensuing decades. What can you say about that time and how it has impacted our world?

Shea: What lessons can you impart with your generation and younger, who either have vague or no recollections of 9/11, other than as a historical event? How can we keep that very important topic relevant?

Bo: So, 9/11. Man, what can I say, it was clearly the worst day in our country's history. What I choose to take away from that day, a day when we lost so many friends in a matter of hours, was the way we came together in an unprecedented response. Not only all the first responders, who all had to acknowledge that this was a day that would change everything, but New Yorkers and later people from all over the country and world. It really made me feel connected. I'm not sure that makes sense, but when you spend hours, days weeks then months dealing with death, the body recoveries, the endless wakes and funerals, the feeling of a connection to something bigger helped us deal with all the suffering. I see a similar thing happening now and this time I feel it may be even more important because of all the isolation. Stay positive, take one day at a time, go for a run.

Shea: I think explaining 9/11 to people who don’t remember it is something I struggle with, as that day dramatically changed my childhood and everything around me. If I had to leave my generation with anything right now it would be to step up in any way you possible can. In regards to keeping this topic relevant, I’d say just to remember that New York came together 10 times stronger after the events on 9/11.

For both of you: You were able to share a truly unique parent-child bond, connected through Marist Running. Reflect on what it meant to you both during the past four years -- Bo, being able to get reconnected with our program (a blessing for me/us) and Shea, being able to bridge the generations from your dad's time to now. 

Bo: When Shea chose Marist, obviously I couldn't have been happier. Immediately after she arrived I knew it was the right fit, I could just tell by the way the team interacted. The four years to follow, went by so fast it’s hard to imagine. Personally, I had so much fun traveling around to watch her run and thrive with the team. Having a good friend who also happens to be a great coach in charge of the program was a real bonus. Getting to know Chuck and his family, and adding them as friends was the icing on the cake. To both of you, thank you for doing what you do! Forever Foxes!

Shea: I grew up at a road race every weekend practically watching my dad race in his FDNY singlet (I loved this as it usually turned into a party afterwards), so I knew I wanted to compete like I had watched him do so. Our unique bond began when I started running at St. Anthony’s (he also went there too), but I don’t think I appreciated it until I came to Marist. The crazy guy flew across the country almost every weekend for four years to watch me run a race, which sometimes only lasted just over two minutes. I got to intertwine my actual family and my Marist running family; my favorite part was seeing how much my teammates idolized my dad as well.

For both of you, but especially Shea: What message do you want to send to the graduating senior athletes on our team (your former teammates, friends) on the loss of their outdoor track season and the final weeks of their college careers at Marist? What message of hope can you impart on our returning athletes?

Bo: To all the graduating seniors on the team, you've been robbed! I feel terrible about the lost opportunity. The lesson in all of this, if there is one, is that nothing is guaranteed. Take nothing for granted, appreciate every moment, all the people in your lives and go for a run, it won't fix any of this, but it is the one thing you can control. Thanks for all the great memories, it was a blast watching you grow and compete! To all the returning runners I'd say the same thing and when this finally passes, I'm looking forward to getting back out there and cheering you on! To you Pete, and to you Chuck, please keep yourselves and families safe and healthy, hope to see you all soon.

Shea: Well, they would also probably freak out if I got emotional on them here, but I would thank them for being the most supportive group of individuals.

To the seniors (both on the team and not on the team): Support each other as much as possible, and when this is all over let it fuel the fire in you for whatever you do next in life whether it be running or work-related. I am so lucky to have spent three years with you crazy people, and I have no doubt you will all do bigger things after this craziness ends.

To the rest of the team: Again, I’d say use it as fuel for next year. Run for the seniors next year, but also appreciate ever moment so much more than you would have as we now know this experience can be taken away at any moment.

I don’t think the returning athletes need “hope” from me specifically, but one thing I’d leave them with is again just to support/reach out to each other. No one is going to get through this experience alone, but it will make you so much closer in the end if you all do it together. Cannot wait to see the amazing things you will do!

Thanks to Marty McGowan for sending me this photo of Bo in the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel in the Tunnels to Towers 5km