Augustana Senior, Rachel Stangler, was recently named North Central Conference Athlete of the Week after finishing second in the steeplechase at the Arizona State Invitational held on March 29. Rachel finished fifth at last year’s NCAA Division II outdoor nationals in the 3k steeplechase with a time of 10:48.88. The four athletes ahead of her were all seniors, suggesting that she will likely be a frontrunner this year. Her talents as a runner extend beyond her abilities in the steeplechase; Rachel finished seventh overall at 2007's NCAA Division II cross country championships. Although she has accomplished a lot during her five years at Augustana, she says, “I have not achieved all that I've wanted. Once you reach a goal you always set your sights on a higher goal and I fell just short of my last goal of the season which was to be in the top five at [Cross Country] Nationals.” Not achieving this goal has strengthened her resolve to be a better athlete, and she has set the bar even higher for this year’s outdoor season. As Rachel explains, “My goals include: win Nationals in the steeplechase and try to get a U.S. trials qualifying time.” Rachel is well on her way to accomplishing these goals for she has already qualified for the Outdoor Track and Field Division II Championships with a time of 10:53.55. Rachel did not begin running the steeplechase untill her sophomore year. She explains, “I actually hadn't even heard of and didn't know what the steeplechase was until I got to college. My sophomore year my coach told me more about it and it sounded fun so I asked if I could give it try that year and I've loved it ever since.” She continues, “I think for the most part it came kind of naturally. However, I am still perfecting my form and trying to improve my water jump. We do hurdle mobility stuff and try to practice the water jump at least once a week.” Looking back at her achievements, Rachel is hard pressed to pick her favorite moment. She notes, “[My proudest achievement is] my overall success. Five years ago I never would have guessed that I would have had as much success that I have.” She adds, “I wish I would have taken my running career more serious and trained harder earlier in my career.” Rachel is a senior this year and she plans to continue to run. “If I get my time in the steeplechase low enough, I am aiming for going to the US [Olympic] trials. No matter what, I'll continue to run and probably do my first marathon this fall and then I'm getting married next spring” she concludes on an optimistic note. On another note, Congratulations to Chico State's Scott Bauhs on running a 3:59.81 mile. I encourage everyone to view the video of the race here on Flotrack.