Before she begins her senior season and her quest to secure her fourth straight trip to the PIAA track and field championships, Quaker Valley standout athlete Bryn Tomczak decided to finalize her college recruitment process by committing to run track for Denison University.
However, according to Tomczak, it wasn't much of a process as she became enamored with the institution in Granville, Ohio, at first glance.
“Right when I stepped on campus, I immediately got the feeling that this is my school,” Tomczak said.
“It was one of the first schools that I visited, and I just got that feeling right away. The campus had a warm, hometown-type of feel to it. Everybody was so inviting and nice and friendly.”
Another deciding factor for Tomczak, the daughter of former Steelers quarterback Mike Tomczak, was the welcoming nature of coach Mark FitzPatrick and the rest of his staff for the Big Red. The new athletic facilities at Mitchell Fieldhouse didn't hurt her cause either, she said.
“The coaches were always interested in what I was up to and how things were going,” she said.
“Whenever I went for my overnight visit, they were very focused on me and making sure I had a great experience there. Also, their athletic facility is amazing, and since it's brand new, there are so many things there that could really strengthen my career for track and field.”
A two-sport star at Quaker Valley in track and field and soccer, Tomczak is dedicating her winter offseason to training for the 100-meter hurdles. In each of her past two seasons, the senior claimed fifth place at the WPIAL championship meet. Tomczak also has qualified for the PIAA meet the past three seasons.
At the collegiate level, the Quakers' top hurdler is expecting to continue racing in the event she has performed so well in during her high school career. In addition to the 100-meter hurdles, Denison may compete in other events.
“I've talked to the coaches and they said that the 100-meter hurdles would be my event, but they also might put me in the 4-by-400 relay and the 4-by-100 relay. They'd also like to see me in the 400-meter hurdles because it's great conditioning,” Tomczak said.
“Mainly, I'll do the 100-meter hurdles, but they want to put me in a bunch of events just like Coach Veshio does at Quaker Valley.”
Jerry Veshio, coach for the Quakers' track and field team, said that while it's Tomczak's natural abilities that allow her to compete at such a high level, the differences between her and other gifted runners are her competitiveness and desire.
“Her work ethic is her best asset. I think she knows her potential, and she realizes that she has an opportunity to do well at the next level and advance herself. She has a passion for the sport,” he said.
“That's probably her biggest attribute right now is her excitement and passion for wanting to excel in her senior year here, and then beyond.”
Kevin Lohman is a freelance writer.
