When Jenny Koeppel, a senior cross-country runner from Amherst, begins a cross-country race, she flies pass the competition.
"When the breeze hits against my face, it feels like I'm floating," said Koeppel.
Jenny Koeppel has been running for the blue and white for four years and has made the transition from a good runner to an outstanding runner.
The start to Koeppel's collegiate career was rough; in her freshmen year she suffered stress fractures in both of her shins and because of her injury, Koeppel's stardom was delayed. However, as a result of hard practices and consistent workouts, Koeppel was able to make a healthy recovery. This was a difficult evolution for Koeppel as a runner and as a person.
"Coming back from an injury is both mentally and physically hard," Koeppel said. "Even the workouts I was doing seemed like they were not giving results."
Reflecting on her four year cross-country career at UB, Koeppel's passion, determination and love for running kept her coming back each season stronger than the season before. However, this drive for success continues to be accompanied by some nervousness.
"I get nervous from the pressure of the race, but the pressure is a part of the race," said Koeppel. "With my ability to over come my nervousness, I always do my best in the race."
Although each meet brings about a different course, a new challenge and tougher competition, Koeppel stays focused and strives for the best because once she recovered from her injuries, she was unstoppable.
During the 2003 season Koeppel received the team's Most Valuable Player Award for the 2003 season. She was UB's top finisher in all eight of the meets she entered last season, winning two and placing second in another with five top-10 finishes.
She set her best 5K time of the season at the MAC Championships with a time of 17:50.3. She finished ninth in the race, earning her second-team All-MAC honors.
So far this season, Koeppel has earned an individual title at UB's season-opening meet, in Akron, Ohio for completing the 5K course in 18:21 to finish first in a field of 40 runners.
Following that victory on Sept. 15, 2004, Koeppel was named the Mid-American Conference's women's runner of the week.
With all her accomplishments, she continues to have a modest outlook. Koeppel feels that her greatest achievements have not been just personal accomplishments but the accomplishments of her entire team.
"Our women's cross-country team as a whole has really come together this year," said Koeppel. "All of the girls are running personal best times and our team has won the past two meets that we have competed in."
Now in her last year at UB, Koeppel will cherish her experience as a cross-country runner for the Bulls as well as "the many downs and many ups" that have and continue to accompany her experience as a member of the blue and white.
Five Random Questions
1.) Q: Have you ever played a musical instrument?
A: "Yes. I did play the violin all through grade school."
2.) Q: Who do you think will win the presidential election?
A: "I think Kerry will win; it's time for a change."
3.) Q: What is the last book you read?
A: "'Angels and Demons' by Dan Brown. It's a very good action book."
4.) Q: Would you describe yourself as listener or talker?
A: "I would say that I'm both a talker and listener."
5.) Q: What motivates you?
A: "My family, my coach and my teammates."
