Senior runner Hannah Wiesner will look to qualify for the NAIA National Track and Field Championships this Saturday at the American River Half Marathon Race.  She has been a part of the cross country and track program for two years.  As a cross country runner, Wiesner twice advanced to the NAIA Cross Country Championship while earning All-Conference honors.  She  reflects on her journey as a student-athlete at WJU:

Why did you choose William Jessup University?

I chose William Jessup University because I wanted to be a part of a school that acquired higher education that transcended Christ within their teaching. I also really wanted to be a part of athletic teams that were working towards more than just personal achievement, but a powerful community of developing Christ- like character with other teammates; striving for something more.

What have you learned from running for Head Coach Parker Daniells?         

Coach Parker Daniells has taught me everything that I now know about running. It has been a pleasure to have him as my coach in both cross country and track for the past two seasons. Without coach Parker Daniells planting the seed within my heart to run, I would not be the person and runner that I am today. I have learned countless things from Daniells: from trying to develop proper running form to how to run for Christ and use running as my way of worshipping. Parker isn't just a Coach; he's turned into a dear friend.

What was your favorite memory from your Track and Field career at WJU?

My favorite memory from my Track and Field career at WJU isn't necessarily a memory specifically about my running career or fun memories. Although, I have made the most insanely amazing memories and friendships, done significantly well in racing, but at the end of my college experience when I look back to those things that matter, its being able to see the transformational work and success that I've seen in others. My favorite memory was a few weeks ago when I saw Michael Basuni race at the San Francisco Carnival track meet. To watch a runner, as talented, motivated and fully devoted to Christ, run a race as he did, was amazing. Being able to support other runners is almost as great as actually running personally. His determination the whole race was such a cool sight to see, and him finishing with the school record, was basically stellar. Michael's heart for running and his desire to live his life for Christ through running is a solid definition of incredible.

Who had the greatest influence on your life to get you where you are today and why?      

Someone who has had an abundance of influence on my life would be my mother. My mother is not just a mother; she's a determined athlete, God- honoring, intelligent, motivated and persistent and incredibly loving person. She has motivated and helped develop me into the exact person that I am today. Some people say that I am indeed a spitting image of her and I think that's the best compliment in the entire world.

What are three traits that helped you get where you are today?         

Three traits that have helped me get where I am today is personal perseverance, dedication and pure determination. Without these three traits implanted from both my mother and father, I would not be the person that I am today both athletically and as a person.

If you had one piece of advice for future Warrior student-athletes, what would it be?     

If I had one piece of advice for future Warrior student-athletes it would be to really take the blissful opportunity to play for WJU as an incredible blessing. I think so many athletes forget after so many years of playing a specific sport, take for granted the true gift that their sport is. Do not give up, keep perusing and persevere, EVERDAY. Every day is an opportunity for success. Every work out matters; it's this time of your life that you build who you want to be for the rest of your life.

What's been your greatest experience as a student-athlete at WJU?           

My greatest experience as a student-athlete at WJU would be all the opportunities that have been given to me. Being a student-athlete, in general is such a difficult task to sustain throughout college. Without the support from my coaches, I would not be where I am right now spiritually, mentally and athletically. It has been coming around such inspirational, influential people that have made my college experience at William Jessup University so amazing

How have you integrated your faith into running?      

When people ask me how I integrate my faith into running, I feel like it's a trick question. Running is an exact example of my faith; without Jesus, I could not run. I could probably run maybe a mile or two, without Him, but logically, the amount of mileage that I put in weekly, I would not be able to emotionally, physically or psychological handle. Running is how I worship. It's being able to persistently put work into a sport where all my dependence is on the Lord. What a blessing, right?

What will you miss most leaving WJU?

Wow, I will miss so much about WJU. I will definitely miss the amazing community of people, the incredible support from the faculty, coaches, and friends. The positive atmosphere has allowed me to grow and develop in the incredible ways. Although, I will miss WJU so much, I know that I am fully prepared and ready to go out into the real world.           

What are your goals after WJU? 

My goals after WJU are completely different than the realism of how my life will be directly after graduation. Without a single doubt will I continue to run, persist in accomplishing new goals and strive to become a better follower of Christ, through my running. My heart is seeking to go to grad school, majoring in sports psychology and nutrition. I have so many dreams and aspirations; I'm so unbelievably thankful that William Jessup University has taught me how to strive to become a strong leader to have the ability and determination to accomplish all of them.