OCC female student athletes receive distinction, honored as best in their sport
Whenever a runner competes in a race, they are always hoping to run their personal best time. For OCC cross country runner Amy Rowan, doing it at the 2023 NJCAA Cross Country National Championship in Huntsville, Alabama just made it more special.
Rowan, along with teammate Mackenzie Montagano, finished 7th and 42nd respectively out of more than 300 runners at the championship, qualifying both as NJCAA Cross Country All-Americans. With her 7th place finish, Rowan was named an All-American for the second time.
Rowan finished the 5K Race (3.16 miles) with a personal best time of 18.42, six seconds better than her previous best time of 18.48. Montagano finished with an outstanding time of 20.05.
OCC Cross Country assistant coach Bob Haase said both Rowan and Montagano ran well in the NJCAA Regionals this fall in Grand Rapids but their performances in the National Championship were extremely impressive.
“To finish in the top 50 of over 300 runners is difficult, but both Mackenzie and Amy worked very hard throughout the year to improve their running, so it wasn’t a surprise how well they both did,” Haase said. “The course in Alabama was difficult so that made it even more impressive.”
Student athletes training to win in the field and in the classroom
Rowan said the training they do throughout the year helps the runners prepare for a tough course.
“We run on a variety of courses when we train and compete that are hilly with lots of twists and turns so we were ready for the Alabama course,” Rowan said.
Montagano said her 20.05 time at the Championship was a seasonal best and being named an All-American was special.
“I really value running and trained hard last winter, and this season it really showed,” she said. “I cried and it was really emotional when I was named an All-American.”
OCC Cross Country head coach Mark Skelcy said both Rowan and Montagano have a very good work ethic, and this is what allowed them to be All- Americans.
“They are disciplined, as most good runners are, to keeping academics, training and their personal lives in perspective,” Skelcy said.
Skelcy said both have the tools to move on to most four-year schools and compete well.
“Whatever school they choose to attend will be very fortunate to have them, “he added.
Both Skelcy and Haase said that in addition to being great runners, they are both excellent students and exceptional people.
“We will really miss coaching them next year when they move on from OCC,” Haase said.
For more information about OCC Student Athletes, visit Raider Athletics.
About OCC
Offering nearly 100 degrees and certificates, OCC is Michigan’s largest multi-campus community college and one of the top transfer institutions in the state. The College provides academic, career training and enriching experiences, designed to empower students to reach their potential and enhance our community. More than 1 million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. A seven-person Board of Trustees governs OCC. Board members are elected on a non-partisan, at-large basis, serve as volunteers and are not paid. Mission statement: OCC is committed to empowering our students to succeed and advancing our community. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
###
Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | (248) 341-2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu