Hannah Greene | Sports Editor
Kennedy Rufener, an Oregon native and two-time All-American Western athlete qualified for the 2020 Olympic trials after running a mark of 2:44:17 during the California International Marathon.
During the marathon, Rufener placed 474th overall, after competing against 7,502 other runners. Out of the women’s section, Rufener placed in the top-100, taking 56th place out of 3,273 other female runners.
During her two years, 2016-2017, at Western, Rufener broke five school records, was a two-time All-American — hypothetical sports teams made of the top eight finishers in each event — an All-Region qualifier in cross country and earned many other accolades during her time as a Wolf.
Rufener’s top indoor 5k marked at a 17:24 and her best mile finishing with a 4:57.
Right around the corner, Rufener is given the chance to compete in the 2020 Olympic Trials on Feb. 29 to try and take her place on the USA Team to compete in Tokyo, Japan. An opportunity like that doesn’t happen all the time, and will be a great experience to add to the resume.
Currently, Rufener is helping coach for the Western Washington track and field and cross country programs, while also training herself for the big day.
Contact the author at hgreene18@wou.edu
