In The Nest: Charlie Nowinski Looks To Lead The Falcons As Men's Cross Country's Lone Senior
Presented By: Medical Mutual
9/11/2024
Charlie Nowinski has been a steady presence in the Bowling Green cross country program, having been one of the top runners for the Falcons in each of the last four seasons. Now in his senior year, the Upper Arlington native looks to take more of a leadership role and reflects on his family and unique experiences that have shaped him as a Falcon.
Q: How did you first get into running?
Nowinski: I first got into running back in elementary school since both of my parents were runners. My mom has run multiple marathons like the ones in Boston, Chicago, and New York, while my stepdad has done Iron Man's. They both had running as a big part of their lives, so I ended up trying it out in fourth grade on the track and field team. I was able to enjoy the distance events in track and field and ended up continuing it which led me to running at a D1 college.
Q: You are the lone senior on the team. How have you stepped into more of a leadership role this season?
Nowinski: Being the only senior on the team has helped me step into more of a leadership role this season since I am the only runner who has been here the longest and had the most experience. Year by year I was able to look up to the different seniors and see how they led the team, which is now what I can help do this cross country season. I want to set an example for all my teammates and my presence on this team for four years has put me into a position where I am a leader for everyone this year.
Q: What do you think is different about this men’s cross country team now than in previous seasons?
Nowinski: I believe that the team culture and vision this season with our team are a lot different than previous seasons. I have been a part of a whole different team every single year, and I can say this year has been the strongest connection among everyone. We all have a common goal in mind and are dedicated to making an impact at the MAC Conference. Everyone on the team keeps each other accountable to make sure we are ready for workouts and race days.
Q: Do you have a favorite place to run, either in competition or training?
Nowinski: My favorite place to run around the Northwest Ohio area is Farnsworth Metropark. From a competition standpoint, it is Paul Short at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania.
Q: What is your favorite vacation spot?
Nowinski: My favorite vacation spot was when I went to Italy and was able to explore the different cities around the country. I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii at some point, so when my family and I go next summer to Kona it is going to be one of my favorite vacation spots.
Q: Your grandfather, Ron Klimkowski, pitched four seasons for the New York Yankees and Oakland Athletics in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Was there anything you learned from him or any cool stories he shared about his experience?
Nowinski: Although I don’t know much personally about my grandfather Ron, what I learned from him playing professional baseball was that it takes a lot of commitment to stay dedicated to your sport, regardless of the level you are playing at. I know that competitiveness and athletics run in my family, so being able to carry it on and do a sport at the highest level in collegiate athletics has been such a great privilege.
Q: You, your brother, Dylan, and your sister, Katelyn, are triplets. How unique is that?
Nowinski: Yes, I am a triplet with my brother Dylan and my sister Katelyn. I am identical to my brother and fraternal with my sister, so it is cool to share a birthday with them. Although we both go to college down at Ohio State, we are all super close and see each other as much as we can throughout school.
Q: You are a sport management major. Are there any cool intern positions or experiences you were able to get through the program?
Nowinski: Being a sport management major has been a great major to study, with my plans to get my MBA after graduating here this spring. I have had a lot of amazing internship/job experiences throughout my time with the program. Some of my favorites included working with BGSU Athletics in multiple roles, Legends at Ohio State & the Cincinnati Open, the Southern Ohio PGA, Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, and with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons this past summer through virtual sales academies.
Q: Why did you choose Bowling Green?
Nowinski: I chose Bowling Green because of the feeling I first got when I stepped on campus. It was during COVID, so I was not able to meet the cross country team, but I knew when I got to campus this was going to be the one. The campus life and academic successes at Bowling Green were something that stood out to me immediately. The cross country team is a huge factor in my staying at this school as well since it feels like my second family.
Q: What are you most proud of, either athletically or non-athletically?
Nowinski: What I am most proud of is my drive and commitment to balance running at the Division I level, maintaining a 4.00 GPA, and being able to get a lot of job experience at the same time. I am proud of being able to have multiple jobs/internships throughout the summer/school year and excel in my athletics simultaneously.
