Swartz Runs Confidently for WSU

by Alan Hieber

The career of Wright State senior cross country runner Jessica Swartz can be defined by a constant climb that has led to her becoming one of the top performers on the team this season.

During her search for a school Swartz choose Wright State over Cleveland State. Another factor in her decision was that her husband Kevin, who she was engaged to in 2014, was on the men's team.

Since her debut cross country season in 2014 Swartz has made a steady and significant improvement. Her personal best that first year in the 6k was 23:55, which she has dropped to around the tenth fastest 6k time in program history (22:41) at the All-Ohio Championship last month. She is also in the WSU record book for the seventh quickest 5000 meter school mark (17:52.41) in outdoor track.

"It's been so great to watch Jess progress over the last four years. She keeps getting better and better," WSU coach Rick Williamson said. "It just shows all the work that she has put into this process."

The way Swartz carries herself on the course is her strongest quality, Williamson added.

"Her positive attitude is definitely her biggest strength," Williamson said. "She never seems to get too down if something doesn't go so well and bounces back very quickly."

Early in her Raider career Swartz felt that talent alone spelled success as a runner, but her perspective has changed.

"Before I thought the only way you could improve was by getting faster times. I think you can improve by being a better teammate or having a better attitude about your races," Swartz said. "It is cool to look back and see how far I've come. I'm glad I stuck with it and kept working hard"

The atmosphere surrounding her team is well suited for developing in several ways, Swartz explained.

"I think a lot of Division I schools can be very cutthroat, and people take things very seriously to where it's not enjoyable," Swartz said. "Wright State has a good balance of being an athlete with a student-athlete at the same time and working on not only running, but building friendships, character and motivation for yourself in other aspects of your life."

This supportive environment is visible by the way the team interacts.

"I think of my teammates as some of my best friends. Everybody is really encouraging, even in practice, for girls and guys," Swartz said. "We're always cheering and clapping for each other. They help you want to be a better athlete and person."

Swartz herself is a pulse of the team with the leadership she displays. She is often leading the cheer and prayer when huddling together with her teammates prior to a race.

"She (Swartz) is highly supportive of her teammates and always provides encouragement," Williamson said.

Williamson's coaching philosophy makes any animosity within the team almost non-existent, Swartz noted.

"He (Williamson) cares about our times, but he also cares about us as a person first and tries to help us succeed in other aspects of our life. I think he does a good job at helping us connect with our team," Swartz said. "He doesn't pin us against each other."

When she isn't competing, Swartz is exceling as a sports science major with a 3.63 GPA. Currently she has an internship working with cancer patients at the non-profit Maple Tree Cancer Alliance in Dayton. She also works with younger athletes at Kettering Sports Performance to help them improve at their sports.

The last league championship of Swartz's Raider career will be held in Oakland Saturday. With her rise to becoming a formidable runner, Williamson feels she could make a statement.

"The sky is the limit for Jess and the team," Williamson said. "She is in the best shape of her life and she could really surprise some people."

Players Mentioned

Jessica Swartz

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