TicketsAug. 26, 2010
By Jeff Gentil
GoBEARCATS.com
In her previous three years as a member of the UC women's cross country team, senior Michele McKenney has raced in the shadows of the other Bearcat runners. This year, however, the accounting major plans on making a name for herself. No more will she be just another runner on the roster.
"Michele has spent time in high school and college under the radar," cross country coach Bill Schnier said. "She's been pretty good, but for the most part, a runner to fill out the team."
It's a fact not lost on McKenney: "In high school I was a mediocre Division II runner (from McNicholas High)," she said. "It took me a while to understand and commit to what it takes to be a good runner. I wouldn't say my freshman and sophomore years were a waste but I wasn't sure if I wanted to keep running. I enjoyed it, but I just wasn't as dedicated."
Junior year for McKenney in cross country was more of the same. But in the spring she really caught fire and had an outstanding track season in which she qualified to compete in the 3,000 meter steeplechase at the BIG EAST Championships. This seemed to further inspire McKenney to train harder for her senior cross country season.
"This is the last chance for me," she said. "Nothing stopped me this summer. I hit all my goals and made all my workouts."
Making all her workouts was something not high on McKenney's list in recent years: "I had some interruptions before; I'd get sick then have an injury. Those things would not let me stay focused and in turn I wasn't dedicated (to training)."
After tasting success in the spring, she was ready to improve her status on the cross country team not only as a captain but a major contributor.
"Last year I was named a captain of the team because of my character," she said. "This year I want to be a captain and a leader for my running."
That is certainly attainable according to Schnier: "Over the years, she has gotten really good. She has increased her mileage and improved her training and I know she's had an excellent summer. She is absolutely sure she's never been in better shape and I know she can't wait for the season to start. If she can be in the top three or four runners, it will make our team much better. If your fourth runner is very good, your team is very good."
After plodding along for three years, something clicked in McKenney's mind and caught her attention.
"I noticed a lot of my current and former teammates were similar to me," she said. "A lot of them had pretty impressive careers and did some really impressive things but, like me, weren't very good runners in high school. Internally that got me thinking that if I gave it my all I could see what I could really do."
Despite her parents being from Cleveland, McKenney is all Cincinnati. Born and raised in the Queen City, she is a Bearcat through and through.
"I'm very Cincinnati," she said. "My co-op is based in Cincinnati and I very much want to stay around Cincinnati. I've been a (UC) fan all my life and I have been very happy to get the chance to walk-on and be a Bearcat."
Her UC career is not over yet. In fact, McKenney believes her best days are yet to come.
"I wish it would have clicked earlier and worked as hard as I am now," she said. "But I'm motivated now; nothing has detracted from my running. It's now or never; my last chance to give it all I've got. I'm really excited to see what I can do."