Paige's Blog

Rachel’s Running as a Mustang

December 7, 2022

Rachel Kenny is a senior at Morningside University. Out of all the activities Rachel has been apart of the last four years, running has been her favorite.

While in college, Rachel ran cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track. She is graduating early so that means she will not be running indoor and outdoor track this season.

Rachel is the youngest in her family. Running runs in Rachel’s family. Her two older brothers both ran cross country and track. Rachel has been running track since seventh grade and cross country since eighth grade. Rachel has been running for a whole decade!

Between cross country and track, Rachel’s favorite is cross country. She says, “It’s more fun as a distance runner. Running in circles is not as fun, and it is much easier for me to lose focus on my race during track than it is in cross country.”

All throughout her time running, Rachel has been teammates with many runners. After 10 years of running, Rachel says, “I have met some the best people and have had some great memories.” One person that running has brought her closer to is Sarah Bosch. Rachel and Sarah have known each other since freshman year. The two have been roommates for the past two years now.

Teammate Sarah Bosch says, “She has been my bus buddy to every meet and we could talk for hours or just sit in silence. She’s funny and likes to joke around, but she can be serious when she needs to be.”

Freshman teammate Ella Stapek, who has only known Rachel for one cross country season, says, “Rachel is hardworking, prepared, there to help, and a leader.” Ella also notes that, “Rachel has a big heart and a positive attitude.”

As life goes on, challenges appear. The challenges take a strong leader to overcome them and to learn from them.

Rachel has had to jump over multiple hurdles in her running career. Although, not actual hurdles. One hurdle Rachel had to jump is when Coach Nash resigned. Nash was Rachel’s coach for the first three years of college. She felt bitter sweet about it. She says, “Coach Nash was the reason I came to Morningside, so him leaving was definitely sad. He was a great coach, but I understand why he chose to resign for his family.”

Through this obstacle, Rachel never thought about not running because of a new coach. She knew she always wanted to run. Rachel says, “Having a new coach gave me the opportunity to see running in a different light.” The uncertainty in the process of finding a new coach was difficult, but once there was one, the transition went well.

Teammate Ella Stapek comments, “She is an amazing role model as she demonstrates all the qualities a leader should have.”

Running for ten years is something that not every student can do. Out of the many races Rachel has ran, her first and last collegiate races are her favorites. The first meet of the season for Morningside is at Augustana in Sioux Falls. The collegiate races take place when it’s dark, so runners and fans can wear glow sticks. After competing at Augustana, Rachel says, “Everyone on the team made me feel like I could accomplish anything even as a freshman. I kind of ran with no regrets or expectations which just made it a fun race.”

Rachel’s final collegiate race was a favorite because of the experience. She traveled to Jamestown, North Dakota for the GPAC Conference meet. Rachel’s thoughts on her final race are “I got to soak it all in knowing that it would be the last time I raced with my teammates. I got to experience it with some of my best friends. It was more of a reflection meet on how far I’ve come as a person through running. Running has made me who I am.”

Also in Rachel’s last season, she was the team captain for the women. She was nominated last year by the whole team. Rachel was in this position because she is a leader not only for the women on the team but for others as well. Underclassmen look up to her and go to her for advice because she has multiple years of running under her belt. Bosch says, “She is very knowledegable about the sport and understands the behind the scenes work that goes in.”

Teammate Sarah Bosch finalizes her thoughts on Rachel by saying, ” She has always been a leader. The team really respects her and looks up to her.”

Through running, Rachel has met many great people, has learned to overcome obstacles that she never saw coming, and has learned to be a leader.

Entry Filed under: Uncategorized. .