Sprinter Dani Noe — Collegiate Athlete of the Week

Noe was named the conference’s Track Athlete of the Week for the week of March 16-22. She helped the Polar Bears (15-3) finish fourth at the 19-team invite in the 2009 outdoor season opener. She finished second in the 400-meter hurdles in a time of 1:04.50.

The Northern women's team scored 147 points to win the OAC championship at the Capital Center.
Otterbein finished second with 104.5 points and Baldwin-Wallace finished third with 92.5 points. 

Seniors Joy Kessler and Dani Noe and junior Brittany Farber had a great meet for the Polar Bears by  scoring in three different events.

Kessler, Farber and Noe finished 1-2-3 in the 500-meter run in 1:17.80, 1:18.80 and 1:18.97, respectively.

In the 300-meter dash, Kessler again led the way with a fourth-place finish in a time of 42.16. Farber finished seventh in 42.93 and Noe finished eighth in 42.98.

The trio teamed with sophomore Lauren Rupp in the 4x400-meter relay to earn second place in 4:07.10.

The ONU sports information staff caught up with Noe and asked her these questions —

What is your major, and how did you end up at Ohio Northern?

“My major is exercise physiology. I came here because I am from a small town and I like the atmosphere here. ONU has a beautiful campus and everyone is so friendly. I also felt like if I came here I could participate in track and several other activities.”

What are your plans after college?

“If I get into graduate school, I would love to go for occupational therapy.”

Any plans to run after college?

“Yes, probably just to stay in shape and because I am used to doing it everyday, I probably won’t sprint but maybe get in some distance work. Who knows, maybe run a marathon someday.”

What events do you run?

“Outdoor, I run the 400 hurdles. Indoors, I do the 300, 400, 500 and the 4x4.”

Which one is your favorite?

“I would have to say outdoor 400 hurdles for sure.”

What motivates you when you are running?

“I have always been a competitor so not wanting to lose motivates me. In practice, looking forward to making nationals or improving my times motivates me. My teammates help to, you don’t always have a good day at practice and they are always there pushing you to do your best.”

What are your goals for your final season?

“For outdoors, I want to make it back to nationals. I went last year and I got disqualified so doing it again would be great. Indoor, I would like to win an individual event. I would love for the team to win conference. We haven’t won yet and it would mean more to me than any individual award I could receive.”

What are your goals for the team?

“To win conference, I think we have a shot. We have a new head coach; things are different and seem to be working. I think everyone is getting along and supporting each other, so it helps us come together as a team. Since track is more than just an individual performing, being a strong team is important.”

How did it feel to come in second in the 500-meter run at the OAC Championships in 2008?

“It was great, and it gives me motivation for this year. I may do a different event, but it was nice to get All-OAC. My teammates also placed and together we got second third and fourth in the event. Overall, it was good for team points.”

How does it feel to have already won three OAC titles?

“It feels good but I’m not satisfied, I always want more. Two were the 4x4, it’s always a fun race because it’s not just you, it’s your whole relay. Winning the hurdles was great too. Both races came down to the very end so they were exciting.”

As this is your senior year, how did it feel to start off with a win at your first home match of the indoor season?

“It felt good. I was very impressed with how everyone performed. We put up some good times, distances and throws in all events. It helps to motivate us, and I hope we carry it on during the season and keep improving upon it.”

How do you balance a busy schedule both in track and classes?

“Time management! I guess you just get in a routine. Since we practice from the beginning of fall to the end of the year you learn how to balance everything. You learn you have to go to practice and classes and when you get back you have to study and get your work done.”

How has it felt to letter the last three years?

“Good, I don’t really think about lettering though. I think more about my races, improving times and competing.”

(Also on the Polar Bears’ track team are former Gibsonburg athlete, ONU junior Steph Hiser, and from Oak Harbor, ONU sophomore Aimee Baehrens. Baehrens has one letter, Hiser two letters.)