Cross Country, Track Standout Mary Pfeifer Races To Degree Ahead Of Schedule

Springfield, Ohio — Few runners could beat Wittenberg University's Mary Pfeifer, class of 2012 from Dublin, Ohio, in a cross country or track race over the last four years. Fewer still could beat her in the race for a diploma as the three-time national cross country qualifier recently wrapped up her undergraduate academic career one semester ahead of schedule.

Described by Wittenberg Cross Country/Track and Field Head Coach Craig Penney as someone who "exemplifies the very best qualities of a Wittenberg student-athlete," Pfeifer will graduate in May 2012 as just the second Tiger runner to reach the NCAA Division III National Championships in cross country three times. She also holds school records in the 3,000-meter and 5,000-meter indoor track and field races, as well as the 10,000-meter outdoor race.

"Mary has set a standard for future Tiger runners by balancing academic and athletic goals so well," Penney added. "She has strived to be the best in both areas, and watching her blossom has been a treat, with some challenges. Working with her and working through these items has bonded us.

"The best part of watching her growth over the last four years is that there is more to come. I am excited to watch her academic and athletic pursuits as she pursues the next phase of her life with the same passion as she has the Wittenberg experience."

Instead of competing one more season for the Tiger track & field team and potentially adding to her Wittenberg Athletics Hall of Honor-worthy resume, however, Pfeifer will turn her attention to the next step on her academic journey. About one month after receiving her Wittenberg diploma in picturesque Commencement Hollow, Pfeifer will enter the graduate entry nursing program at The Ohio State University in hopes of becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner.

Not surprisingly, Pfeifer will continue to run. Starting with 10-kilometer and half-marathon races, she hopes to eventually compete in a marathon. Running is an important release for Pfeifer, who missed much of the 2010 cross country season and 2011 indoor track season due to a lingering injury.

"Over the years I have hit a couple of ruts in my running career," said Pfeifer, who carried a 3.6 grade point average while majoring in biology to earn three All-Academic Team awards from the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. "Running has become such a big part of who I am. It is what I love, and I feel at peace when I am doing it. Being out of my sport and away from my team was definitely one of the lowest points of my college career."

Pfeifer finished in the top 100 at the NCAA Division III National Cross Country Championships in 2009, 2010 and 2011 after turning in the best finishes at the Great Lakes Regional in school history the last two years (seventh place both years). The strong performances and the camaraderie with teammates combined to create some of her fondest Wittenberg memories.

"The feeling you get after running a great race is indescribable," Pfeifer said. "It is such a high. Running around and goofing off with my teammates before and after these races are some of my greatest memories, and I will treasure them for a long, long time."

Pfeifer had a notion that the Wittenberg cross country and track and field teams would have a positive impact upon her before she attended her first class. She said team members made her feel welcome upon her arrival for an overnight visit as a high school senior, and Pfeifer could envision "running with them and walking the campus."

"Being a student-athlete certainly hasn't been easy, but I think it is the only way I could have or would have done it," she said. "Being on a team helped make friends and form a family away from home. Cross country and track also gave my hectic life some structure and provided relief in an otherwise stressful day."

It is still hard for Pfeifer to believe how quickly the four years at Wittenberg have passed. She recommends to future Tigers to make the most of the opportunity.

"Treasure this opportunity because it is the only short time in your life that you'll have the chance to participate and compete in sports like this," she said. "The time goes by so quickly, so treat every practice, every game, every tournament like it is your last.

"Also, work hard and push yourself. Do not define yourself or set limits for yourself. Challenge yourself to break down barriers and accomplish what you never thought you could."

Written By: Ryan Maurer
Photos By: Erin Pence

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