Amanda Kozicky

By Katie Velebir
UW-RF Sports Information

Amanda Kozicky is a captain of the Falcons women's cross country team and has been one of the team's top runners throughout her four-year career.

She will be completing her college career in May with a degree in business administration with a minor in art.

Kozicky will leave an impression on the Falcon cross country program. She currently has the third fastest time ever recorded by a Falcon over 6,000-meters - 22:50. She set that mark in 2004. She also ran a 23:43 in 2003. After only two meets this fall, she has a best time of 24:13 and that is the 12th fastest time in school history.

The energetic runner is originally from Chaska, Minn., and attended high school there. When she is not busy running cross country she enjoys hanging out with friends, camping, and playing other sports such as soccer and hockey. The NHL's Minnesota Wild season is just around the corner and Kozicky can't wait to attend at least a few games. While she listens to all types of music she tends to favor the alternative genre.

Currently her favorite movie is Just Friends starring Ryan Reynolds and Amy Smart. "I bought it on DVD right away, it is hilarious," Kozicky explained.

Kozicky is a member of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF), which is a club on campus that promotes fellowship among students who share similar religious interests. She is also a member of the Art society, which brings all students who have an art interest together in hopes of involving them in extracurricular art activities on campus.

Academic accomplishments are an important goal in college students' lives and Kozicky is no exception. She has made the Dean's List in almost every semester as well as the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll.

Juggling cross country as well as academic responsibilities may seem overwhelming, but Kozicky has it under control. "I like the challenge; running cross country and classes gives me a routine," Kozicky explains. She schedules her time wisely in order to accomplish all her responsibilities.

Falcon Head Coach Don Glover further corroborates this notion.  "Amanda is a very organized and driven person. She gets things done. She has a plan," Glover said.

She is a positive influence on the team, especially on the younger athletes. "She is a very nice young lady. She works hard and offers emotional support to our younger kids," said Glover.

One of the things that Kozicky loves most about running cross country is the close knit atmosphere of the team. She spends a lot of time with her teammates outside of meets and practices. She explained that Glover calls it "a family," and she couldn't agree more. They have a lot of fun together while staying focused on what the team is trying to accomplish. Being fit and healthy are also benefits of running cross country that she enjoys. "We must be crazy to run 10 miles a day," Kozicky jokes.

This spring Kozicky hopes to line up an internship in business administration. After she graduates she would like to travel for a bit before settling into life after college. She is anxious to graduate, as most seniors are, to see what the future holds. She is interested in opening her own running shop. The retail shop would feature running shoes, apparel and accessories essential to those interested in running.

After Kozicky crosses her final finish line in cross country she will be beginning a new chapter in her bright future. A retail running store couldn't be more appropriate for the Falcon senior who has such a passion and fire for her sport.