LHU Track & Field

	May 19, 2005 Doing it All LHU’s Buckenmeyer excels on the course and off

	LOCK HAVEN, Pa. -- Student-athletes are not average students. They must work hard in both the classroom and on the field, always knowing what should come first. Alexander, N.Y. native and Lock Haven University standout William Buckenmeyer (Alexander, N.Y./Alexander Central) never seems to put anything in second place. Buckenmeyer is a top runner on the Lock Haven cross country and track teams. The junior distance specialist had an excellent season as a steeplechase competitor for the Bald Eagles, hitting for an NCAA Provisional-Qualifying 9:23.06 at the Bucknell Distance Carnival. Competing against mainly Division I opponents, Buckenmeyer took third place in one of track and field’s most grueling events. He also earned his first PSAC Championship by topping the field at the outdoor meet in Mansfield, Pa. He narrowly missed NCAA competition, as 18 runners qualified for the trip to Abilene, Texas, and Buckenmeyer finished 19^th nationally. During the cross country season, he earned All-East Region and All-PSAC honors. The Bald Eagle squads won both races, aided by the efforts of the Alexander Central Alum.	Junior William Buckenmeyer is the 2005 PSAC Champion in the steeplechase.
	Not only is Buckenmeyer extremely busy on the cross country course, but he is equally busy in and out of the classroom. He is a journalism and mass communication major who holds the distinguished role of Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) President at Lock Haven. He is also the co-chair for the statewide organization representing the western division. SAAC is an organization that acts as a bridge between student-athletes and the athletic administration. If the athletes have problems, they can take them to the administration through SAAC. The main goal of the organization according to Buckenmeyer, is to keep a connection between the athletes and the administration on campus. SAAC works to keep both parties happy. “The happier we are, the better we will perform, which helps us better represent the University,” said Buckenmeyer. As Lock Haven SAAC president, Buckenmeyer is in charge of running the meetings, which includes setting an agenda, and meeting with Lock Haven SAAC advisor, Danielle Barney, assistant athletic director at the University. When an issue of concern is brought up at a meeting, Buckenmeyer is responsible for setting up a discussion with the director of athletics, Sharon Taylor to try and resolve the problems. His state duties include working with the SAAC to make sure the student athletes’ needs are met. The state SAAC meets twice a year in the fall and spring. Buckenmeyer helps to set the agenda and runs those meetings as well. Buckenmeyer’s commitment to his University is ongoing. He also works with the Champs Life Skills committee, writes for the school newspaper and is on the State Advisory Council. As a member of the State Advisory Council he looks at controversial issues sent from athletic directors and coaches and helps to make decisions on them. “He juggles a lot and takes on quite a bit of responsibility,” said Aaron Russell, head cross country coach. “I give him plenty of credit.” It's all about prioritizing, according to Buckenmeyer, who says he still enjoys having fun hanging out with his friends and enjoying the college experience. “When it comes to practice, my focus is just running for those two hours, then it goes back to school work and everything else,” said Buckenmeyer. “It’s difficult, but important to me.” Russell knows first-hand about his dedication. “For someone in his position, it would be real easy for them to not give 100 percent on this or that, but he never compromises,” he said. “He never tries to take an easy road.” ###LHU###