Here is the text of a letter Jennie Castle wrote to the cross country newcomers of 2006

Hello Akron women of 2006. My name is Jennie Castle and I am a former UA athlete and graduate. I am now living in Eugene, OR where I am working with a new coach and training on my own. After moving to Eugene, I fully realized that my time at Akron, with the people I love, was truly over. (I may sound sappy, but bear with me.) I know how special my years at Akron were, and I am so thankful I fully appreciate it. Because of the sacrifices the women of this team made for each other, we became closer than family and ran with a greater purpose than ourselves. All the advice I can offer revolves around the people sitting next to you and the team you will create amongst yourselves.

First, take advantage of what your surroundings have to offer you. You have all the resources you need to be great. Akron has one of the best indoor facilities in the nation, great running trails within driving distance, a very enthusiastic head coach, and the most committed distance coach in the state, perhaps the nation. “Let me put it this way. Have you ever heard of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates? Morons.” [see The Princess Bride] Scott is not only knowledgeable, but a good person. He cares about your emotional and physical health as well as your performance on the track. It is important to communicate with him honestly and frequently.

Second, use your teammates and let them use you. My breakthrough cross country season came after a summer of running early morning long runs at Kendall Hills every Sunday with a teammate. We would always do strides and barefoot series after the run, and then eat breakfast together when we got home. The technicalities mean little, but the routine pushed me to a two-hour long run and consistent distance training that I would not have gained on my own. So, run with the people who excel at your weaknesses and let them pull you.

Third, I feel it is important to set standards for the team as a whole and then hold each member accountable. “Let me explain…no, there is too much. Let me sum up.” [see The Princess Bride] Put bluntly, you have to adopt a certain lifestyle to excel at being a student-athlete. Outside of practice, try to eat right and sleep enough. At times this is impossible, so be responsible by keeping Scott informed so you can stay injury free. (If you would like to know my full feelings on this matter, contact Jr. at 631 Carroll St.)

Finally and most importantly, strive to stay confident yet modest. For every success there will be failure, and only from failure will you appreciate success. Look at every injury, misfortune, and adversity as a reason to work harder, not an excuse for laziness and apathy. You have an entire track team counting on you to perform and training partners depending on you for motivation. By believing in yourself and in each other you will “realize your delusions of grandeur.”

People say the beauty of track is that it is an individual sport; a sport where each woman makes it on her own merit. And while I appreciate the elegance of that notion, today I stepped off my porch for my morning run with no one to meet. And as I still strive for greatness, I know I will never again have the bonds I shared with the women of Akron.

Good luck this season and “Have fun storm’n the castle!”

Peace,

Jennie

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Jennie's Achievements
Personal Bests
800m - 2:06.91
1500m - 4:22.88
5000m XC - 17:53

MAC Championships
2005 - 1500m

All MAC Performances
2003 - 800m (indoor and outdoor)
2004 - Cross Country
2005 - 800m (indoor and outdoor)

Regional Qualifier
2004 - 800m
2005 - 800m, 1500m

NCAA Qualifier
2005 - 1500m