Kassie Rosenbum wins Division III national track title
Kassandra "Kassie" Rosenbum won the NCAA Division III National Title in the 10,000-meter run while competing for Loras College. (Photo submitted)
By Caroline Rosacker
Athletic standout Kassandra "Kassie" Rosenbum, a 2017 graduate of Clayton Ridge High School and daughter of Jane Parker, has won the NCAA Division III national title in the 10,000-meter run while competing for Loras College at the track and field event.
Rosenbum, a sophomore at Loras, is studying kinesiology and is a member of the Duhawk track and field and cross-country teams.
The ambitious college student and athlete is involved with the Dubuque leisure services at the elementary age level, assisting with coaching volleyball and track and field.
Race day winners
Rosenbum described her experience winning the 10,000-meter run. "I felt pretty good the day of the race. The weather was a little warm but tolerable. My track coach advised me to start off the race and keep pace with the front-runners. I was able to keep up, and decided to pick up the pace. I thought they would follow me, but they didn't! As I continued my pace, and was conscious of my placement, I started to get excited, and my dream began to become a reality."
She continued, "I finished the race in 35.38 – four seconds shy of my personal record of 35.34. I was 17 seconds faster than the second place runner. It was such an amazing experience. I still couldn't believe I had won the 10,000-meter title the next day. It felt like a dream!"
Rosenbum also placed sixth in the 5K at the competitive event. The Loras College Duhawk track and field team came in first place overall with 53 points. The win for the Loras team made it the first time in college history for the Duhawks to bring home the first place trophy and NCAA Division III National Championship Title.
Rosenbum told The Press, "The competition I have experienced in college is more competitive than during my high school career. We train harder as a team, and train year round." She continued, "We do a considerable amount of training together. We take advantage of the local trails in the Dubuque area. Heritage Trail is one of my favorites."
Rosenbum enjoys the outdoors to cross-train for her sport. "I like to bike, swim and hike to keep in shape for competitive running. I enjoy Mines of Spain in Dubuque for a challenging hike," she commented.
The college sophomore trains year-round, resting only a couple of times a year.
She said, "I take two weeks off at the end of each season to give my body a rest."
Rosenbum is currently training for a triathlon she will compete in this summer in Palo. The race will include a 700-meter swim, a 15-mile bike ride and a 5K run.
"I really enjoy the challenge of a triathlon. The training for the event keeps me in good shape during the off season," she said.
Rosenbum advises athletes to train smart. "I include a lot of variety in my workouts. I have a long run, and an easy run – I like to mix it up. I try to eat a healthy diet that works with my body to make it stronger. I try to avoid sugar, but do cave into my sweet tooth a couple times a week," she commented.
Rosenbum occasionally runs into her former Clayton Ridge track and field and cross-country teammates during college competitions. "I run into old teammates from time to time, and occasionally we have to compete against one another," she said with a laugh.
Rosenbum will continue to pursue her running career and degree in kinesiology. She hopes to become a graduate assistant cross-country coach at the college level.
