Here is the
text of a letter Rachel Zubricky wrote the the newcomers to the cross country
team in 2008
Welcome to the University
of Akron! My name is
Rachel Zubricky and I graduated in 2007 with a degree in Exercise Science.
I have spent the past year working towards my graduate degree in Physical
Therapy.
I
was extremely fortunate to be a member of the cross country and track and field
teams at Akron
during a very exciting and successful time. During this time we won 6 titles,
including the “triple crown”. I believe the excitement that
overtook the team helped push me to relative individual success. It forced me
to set higher standards, as I watched my teammates succeed and to work harder
to achieve the new standards that I had set for myself. A disappointing loss to
Kent State at the 2005 Outdoor MAC
championships by just 7 points also helped me, and the rest of the team,
realize that every member was essential for the overall team’s success.
This realization was the motivation I needed to really step up my performances.
Luckily
for you this period of time is not over at Akron, instead it is just the beginning. My
advice to you is to take risks. You will most likely be running more, and doing
things that are new to you such as drills, circuits and free weights. You will
also find that races are a lot more competitive. Don’t be afraid to step out of
your comfort zone in training and racing, you will have to if you want to reach
your potential. Set your goals high, for yourself and the team. You will be
surrounded by teammates and coaches that have experienced success and failure
and who now understand what it takes to excel. Learn from your teammates, mold
yourself after them and work together. Realize, as a member of a team, that you
are responsible not only to yourself, but your teammates, and the University of Akron. Finally, let the success of the
past give you confidence, but realize that you are capable of even more and
that is what you should constantly be striving towards!
Most
importantly, have fun and enjoy your time at Akron. That time will go quickly but the
experiences you have on this team will stay with you long after you leave. Good
luck and GO ZIPS!!!
Sincerely,
Rachel
"The reason why most people fail instead of succeed is
because they give up what they want the most for what they want that moment."
Rachel's Achievements
Personal Bests
800m - 2:10.77
1500m - 4:23.59
Mile - 4:50.87
MAC Champion
2007 - Mile
All MAC Performances
2006 - 1500m
2007 - 1500m
Regional Qualifier
2006 - 1500m
2007 - 1500m