Giesler running to top of Big Ten

For most collegiate runners, breaking a conference record would satisfy one's competitive desires. But senior Hoosier Audrey Giesler wants much more than just a Big Ten Conference record.\nDuring the 2002 outdoor track season, Giesler set the Big Ten Conference outdoor 3,000-meter steeplechase record by running a 10:14.9. This time also qualified her for the USA Track and Field Championships held this past June in Stanford, Calif.\nGiesler said that winning the 3,000-meter steeplechase has increased her excitement for the 2003 cross country season because it will allow her to see what she is capable of doing, in this, her last season of running cross country at IU.\n"I think I've set higher standards for myself this year because experience has helped me deal with the pressure of high expectations and goals," Giesler said. "I figure this is my last shot at it, so I might as well take some risks and see what happens."\nThe Hoosiers return all runners from a squad that finished 14th last season at the NCAA National Championship meet in Terre Haute. Giesler was a key member of the team's success in the NCAA National Championship meet as she finished the 6-kilometer race in 21:03.3, and was the second finisher for the Hoosiers behind then sophomore Mindy Peterson.\nBecause of the Hoosiers' success at the NCAA Championship meet, Giesler said that this is the team's biggest source of experience.\n"We have a better understanding of what it takes to make it to the big meet, and we have the drive and determination to get there again," Giesler said. "Once you've been there before, you would hate to miss going again."\nCoach Judy Wilson speaks highly about Giesler's development since the 2001 season when she produced an 18:30.5 on the 5-kilometer course at the Big Ten Championship.\n"Last year was monumental in Audrey's development in becoming a national caliber competitor," Wilson said. "She went from 49th in the Big Ten in 2001 to sixth in 2002. That alone sums up her determination, focus, and desire to succeed."\nGiesler knows that she has some unfinished business to take care of before she graduates -- returning to the 2003 NCAA National Championship.\n"I spent my first two years of collegiate racing hesitating and regretting," Giesler said. "I finally learned last year that when I go with my competitive instincts, I am usually pleasantly surprised. The worst that could happen is I fall short of my goal, but at least I tried."\nContact staff writer Steve Slivka at smslivka@indiana.edu.