Bowling Green State University Athletics

Freshman Spotlight: Nathan Kuck
October 23, 2014 | Men's Cross Country
Over the course of the season, BGSU Athletic Communications will introduce three freshmen runners from the women's cross country team and three from the men's team. The third of this three-part segment will spotlight Nathan Kuck.
Kuck is a redshirt freshman from Cincinnati, Ohio. While in high school, he earned eight varsity letters in cross country, track and field and soccer. In 2011, he placed 33rd individually at the Cross Country State Championships and his team finished third overall. He started his collegiate career strong, placing first on the team at the season opener, Toledo Invitational. Kuck finished seventh overall with a personal best time of 16:07.1 and was the third freshman in the race to cross the line. At All-Ohio Championships, Kuck set a personal best 8,000-meter time of 27:17.51. He plans to study pre-physical therapy at BGSU.
Why and when did you start running?:
I started tagging along with my brother to 5k road races in elementary school
Biggest goal for Falcon career:
All-MAC individually and improve each year within the MAC and region as a team
Pre-race superstitions:
I like to be the last guy on the team to get on the line when the race is about to start
Favorite memory with the team so far:
It's hard to pick out one; all the shenanigans we do to keep running fun make for some great memories
Difficulties you have had to overcome in your career:
I've had a tough time with injuries since junior year of high school so learning how to manage those and keep a positive attitude at the same time has been one of the biggest challenges I've faced running.
Best race you have ever had:
I'd probably say the Toledo Invite this August—I ran my 5k PR there and crossed the line first for BG. I feel like it was my best race physically and mentally and got this season off to a great start.
Who is most played on your iPod?:
Either The Avett Brothers or Childish Gambino
What is on your bucket list?:
I'd like to run some of the biggest marathons in the nation before I stop running competitively—the Boston Marathon in particular.
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?:
My mom's chocolate chip cookies
Secret talents:
I'm a pretty good writer
Fun fact about yourself:
I've never been on a plane before—I don't really know if that counts but people are usually surprised by it
Favorite movie:
Lion King
Favorite inspirational quote:
"Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it" -Oprah Winfrey
Nicknames people have called you:
Nate or Nay Nay
Kuck is a redshirt freshman from Cincinnati, Ohio. While in high school, he earned eight varsity letters in cross country, track and field and soccer. In 2011, he placed 33rd individually at the Cross Country State Championships and his team finished third overall. He started his collegiate career strong, placing first on the team at the season opener, Toledo Invitational. Kuck finished seventh overall with a personal best time of 16:07.1 and was the third freshman in the race to cross the line. At All-Ohio Championships, Kuck set a personal best 8,000-meter time of 27:17.51. He plans to study pre-physical therapy at BGSU.
Why and when did you start running?:
I started tagging along with my brother to 5k road races in elementary school
Biggest goal for Falcon career:
All-MAC individually and improve each year within the MAC and region as a team
Pre-race superstitions:
I like to be the last guy on the team to get on the line when the race is about to start
Favorite memory with the team so far:
It's hard to pick out one; all the shenanigans we do to keep running fun make for some great memories
Difficulties you have had to overcome in your career:
I've had a tough time with injuries since junior year of high school so learning how to manage those and keep a positive attitude at the same time has been one of the biggest challenges I've faced running.
Best race you have ever had:
I'd probably say the Toledo Invite this August—I ran my 5k PR there and crossed the line first for BG. I feel like it was my best race physically and mentally and got this season off to a great start.
Who is most played on your iPod?:
Either The Avett Brothers or Childish Gambino
What is on your bucket list?:
I'd like to run some of the biggest marathons in the nation before I stop running competitively—the Boston Marathon in particular.
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?:
My mom's chocolate chip cookies
Secret talents:
I'm a pretty good writer
Fun fact about yourself:
I've never been on a plane before—I don't really know if that counts but people are usually surprised by it
Favorite movie:
Lion King
Favorite inspirational quote:
"Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it" -Oprah Winfrey
Nicknames people have called you:
Nate or Nay Nay
Players Mentioned
XC: Falcon Invitational - Rachel Rhynard (Oct. 17, 2025)
Saturday, October 18
Lou Snelling Post-NCAA Great Lakes Regional Interview (November 15, 2024)
Friday, November 15
Lou Snelling Post-MAC Championships Interview (November 2, 2024)
Friday, November 15
Candace Archer Post-Meet Interview (October 18, 2024)
Monday, October 21






