Bowling Green State University Athletics
Freshman Spotlight: Rachel Walny
September 25, 2014 | Women's Cross Country
Bowling Green, Ohio -- 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 first of this three-part segment will spotlight Rachel Walny.
Â
Walny, a native of Clinton Township, Michigan, earned eight varsity letters in cross country and track while competing at Chippewa Valley High School. She was a two-time first team all-conference performer in cross country with a personal best time of 18:13. Walny was a four-time state qualifier, racing her way to an all-state finish in 2012. She was also Academic All-State for cross country in the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
Â
Walny posted a PR of 17:57.84 in her first race as a Falcon on Aug. 29 at the Toledo Invitational. She plans to study exercise science while at Bowling Green.
Â
One fun fact about yourself:
I went home recently just so I could carry on a tradition of playing in the mud with my old high school team after one of their meets, just like we do at that race every year!
Â
On interests away from the course:
Family, reading, longboarding, baking, and doing fun, spontaneous things with my friends!
Â
On difficulties overcome in your career so far:
I got a stress fracture the week before the first meet of my senior cross country season and was out for two months. I ran the last three weeks of the season (division meet, regionals, and states).
Â
Who is most played on your iPod:
The Script
Â
On secret talents:
I can make some of the weirdest faces you've ever seen!
Â
On what you like most about Bowling Green:
All of the school spirit! I always see a lot of people around campus wearing orange, which is one of my favorite colors.
Â
On favorite memory with the team so far:
Running in the Mel Brodt invitational—which was my first home meet at BG—with almost all of my teammates.
Â
On biggest inspiration:
My coaches in middle school that got me into running and my high school coaches who did everything they could to help me get better, along with everyone else back at home that has supported me along the way.
On favorite cross country moment:
When my team won the division meet with five girls on the starting line my first race back my senior season (on my birthday!).
Â
What is on your bucket list:
Trying every Blizzard flavor at Myles Dairy Queen before I'm done at BG!
Â
Essential college item you can't live without:
My fish stuffed animal named Fishy that I've had since I was three!
Â
On biggest goal for Falcon career:
Win the MAC championships and qualify for the NCAA Championships
Â
Favorite restaurant in the area:
Pita Pit (Philly Steak pita)
Â
Favorite quote/motto:
"Tangerines are just oranges that didn't want it bad enough. Don't be a tangerine!"
Â
Walny, a native of Clinton Township, Michigan, earned eight varsity letters in cross country and track while competing at Chippewa Valley High School. She was a two-time first team all-conference performer in cross country with a personal best time of 18:13. Walny was a four-time state qualifier, racing her way to an all-state finish in 2012. She was also Academic All-State for cross country in the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
Â
Walny posted a PR of 17:57.84 in her first race as a Falcon on Aug. 29 at the Toledo Invitational. She plans to study exercise science while at Bowling Green.
Â
One fun fact about yourself:
I went home recently just so I could carry on a tradition of playing in the mud with my old high school team after one of their meets, just like we do at that race every year!
Â
On interests away from the course:
Family, reading, longboarding, baking, and doing fun, spontaneous things with my friends!
Â
On difficulties overcome in your career so far:
I got a stress fracture the week before the first meet of my senior cross country season and was out for two months. I ran the last three weeks of the season (division meet, regionals, and states).
Â
Who is most played on your iPod:
The Script
Â
On secret talents:
I can make some of the weirdest faces you've ever seen!
Â
On what you like most about Bowling Green:
All of the school spirit! I always see a lot of people around campus wearing orange, which is one of my favorite colors.
Â
On favorite memory with the team so far:
Running in the Mel Brodt invitational—which was my first home meet at BG—with almost all of my teammates.
Â
On biggest inspiration:
My coaches in middle school that got me into running and my high school coaches who did everything they could to help me get better, along with everyone else back at home that has supported me along the way.
On favorite cross country moment:
When my team won the division meet with five girls on the starting line my first race back my senior season (on my birthday!).
Â
What is on your bucket list:
Trying every Blizzard flavor at Myles Dairy Queen before I'm done at BG!
Â
Essential college item you can't live without:
My fish stuffed animal named Fishy that I've had since I was three!
Â
On biggest goal for Falcon career:
Win the MAC championships and qualify for the NCAA Championships
Â
Favorite restaurant in the area:
Pita Pit (Philly Steak pita)
Â
Favorite quote/motto:
"Tangerines are just oranges that didn't want it bad enough. Don't be a tangerine!"
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Cross Country
XC: Falcon Invitational - Kylee Cubbison (Oct. 17, 2025)
Saturday, October 18
XC: Falcon Invitational - Lou Snelling (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