Competing in Division I NCAA athletics takes more than talent – it takes dedication, determination, and a willingness to continue going mile after mile. OHIO Cross Country represents these characteristics and is on a mission this season to reach new heights and continue building a culture of success. This is the time to rally behind our student-athletes by investing in their continued achievement.
SUPPORT OHIO Cross Country TODAY!
During the 2021 season, Women’s Cross Country showed determination and drive. This continued in the 2021 postseason as the team finished 5th at the MAC Championships and 17th at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional Championships.
The Men’s Cross Country team had similar success throughout the season and in the postseason finished 4th at the MAC Cross Country Championships and 14th at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional Championships.
The teams also excelled in the classroom having 14 athletes selected to the 2021 Academic All-MAC team. The Women’s Cross Country team maintained a team-wide GPA of 3.67 and had five athletes with greater than a 3.9 GPA.
This year, OHIO Cross Country has hit the ground running and seeks to build on its culture of winning. Women’s Cross Country has two 1st first-place finishes this year—one at the Ohio XC Invitational and one at the Falcon Invitational. Men’s Cross Country also has a 3rd and 2nd place finish in these tournaments respectively.
Help us reach our fundraising goal of $25,000.
What impact will giving have?
Gifts to this campaign will help offset the team’s expenses, including the following:
Meet the Student-Athletes
Stephanie Pierce--Graduate Student from Fairborn, OH
"Being an Ohio University student-athlete has been an honor. The opportunity and experience of running alongside countless strong women while competing for OU has shaped me into the person I am today. My experience as an OU student-athlete has taught me to balance academics, athletics, and other extracurriculars. It has allowed me to develop into a better leader, teammate, and friend."
"The resources available to student-athletes allow us to succeed in sports, thrive in school, and maintain our physical and mental well-being. Our coaches, academic advisors, medical and athletic training staff, and sports psychologists go the extra mile to ensure that OU’s student-athletes achieve their highest potential. I feel supported and loved by the community that surrounds me at OU. Traveling to different places and running in highly competitive races has been a unique experience that I will never forget."
"I truly appreciate the contributions that others have made to allow my teammates and me to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience. After I graduate, I will leave knowing that I grew not only as an athlete but as a person. I will treasure my memories of competing as a Bobcat forever."
Tony Tonkovich--Senior from Athens, OH
"Being a member of the OU Cross-Country team has been such a valuable experience. The team culture we have is just like a family and is extremely including and caring. When I came in as a freshman, I immediately felt like I was a part of the family and that is how now, as a senior, I am trying to make it for all the new athletes on the team. There have been countless lessons learned from older teammates and just as many taught to the younger athletes below me. The best part about this program is that this will continue to happen through each generation."
"OU Cross-Country has shaped me and my teammates into being the hardest working, selfless, and caring athletes that we can possibly be."
"When you donate to our program, we are not just very grateful at that time. But the effects will be passed on through the years to create a better future and program for the athletes to come, where they will be just as thankful."
Former Cross Country Student-Athletes
Calling all former OHIO Cross Country runners! Help support the program that once meant so much to you. Current student-athletes seek to build on the legacy created by you during your time on the bricks. Assist them in doing so by ensuring they have all the resources they need to run effectively and safely.
For supporting our current student-athletes we will send you a special gift from Varsity OHIO* thanking you for your generosity and all you did for Ohio University during your time on the bricks.
Your generous gift to this campaign and OHIO Cross Country will help student-athletes succeed on and off the trail.
Your actions now will make OHIO Cross Country’s $25,000 goal quickly attainable. Here are three ways alumni, families, and fans can support a bright future for Cross Country student-athletes:
To support all of OHIO's student-athletes, give to the Ohio Bobcat Club, write Ohio Bobcat Club on your check, or ask Matt Thomson about Ohio Bobcat Club membership and benefits
*Varsity OHIO is a prestigious organization exclusive to Ohio University former student-athletes, athletic trainers, spirit squad and managers. Our goal is to increase membership, awareness and establish life-long bonds between former teammates, friends and Ohio University.
Looking to make a gift to a different OHIO fund? Visit give.ohio.edu/funds and search our database of over 2,000 funds, all aimed at supporting our students, faculty, and campuses.
In honor of the Women's Cross Country 3.67 Cumulative GPA in the Spring of 2022
To support the average cost of a pair of safe and effective footwear for a student-athlete.
In honor of all the 256 combined points the student-athletes earned at the 2021 MAC Cross Country Championships
In honor of the number of shoes needed by the program on a yearly basis
In honor of the 2022 MAC Cross Country Championships which will be held in Athens, OH on October 29