Stuckenschneider overcomes doubters to leave track legacy

Hannah Stuckenschneider is proud of what she has accomplished so far during a stellar track and field career at Southeast Missouri State University.

She takes even more pride in her academic achievements.

"A lot of people didn't think I would make it this far, and I'm really proud of myself," said Stuckenschneider, a senior 400-meter specialist who will join her teammates in this weekend's Gatorade Classic at the Abe Stuber Complex.

Stuckenschneider has the sixth-fast 400 time in school history and competed on the Otahkians' 800 and 1,600 relay teams that have the fastest times ever at Southeast. She has been one of the Ohio Valley Conference's top female track athletes the past several years.

While those accomplishments make her smile, she really beams when talking about the 3.0 grade-point average she figures to graduate with next month when she will receive degrees in recreation and general studies along with minors in therapeutic recreation and outdoor recreation.

"Coming from a 1.9 my first year when I had to do summer school and almost quit school, I think 3.0 is pretty good," Stuckenschneider said.

Southeast coach Joey Haines points out that Stuckenschneider never lacked smarts. It's just that the Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) she had was never properly diagnosed during her days at Helias High School in Jefferson City, Mo.

"A lot of people gave up on her in high school not realizing she had ADD," Haines said. "Once she finally got it diagnosed, she was on her way. A lot of teachers here have worked really hard with her.

"Hannah is truly a success story. She has really matured as a young lady, student and athlete. She is what college athletics should be about."

Stuckenschneider -- as quick with a laugh and a smile as she is on the track -- flashes one of her trademark grins when told of her coach's comments.

"This is my fifth year here, and coach always talks about leaving a legacy. I hope I'm leaving one," she said. "Hard work does pay off. The more that people tell you you can't do it, it takes a certain person to bounce back and prove people wrong.

"I think I've done that. I hope coach Haines keeps my story going. I had to work really hard to get where I've gotten."

For all that Stuckenschneider has accomplished at Southeast, she laughs when she recalls her freshman year -- when she was struggling with grades and ready to give up on college.

"I almost quit. I wanted to go to cosmetology school," Stuckenschneider said. "My mom was mad, and she told me I'm sticking it out. She called me the other day and said, 'Aren't you glad you didn't go to beauty school?'"

While Stuckenschneider likes talking about her dramatic academic rise, Haines emphasized that it shouldn't overshadow her performances on the track.

"She has been an outstanding athlete ever since she came here," Haines said.

Stuckenschneider had a solid freshman season, and as a sophomore she was even better when she ran on Southeast's 1,600 relay team that won OVC indoor and outdoor titles and finished third in both the OVC indoor and outdoor 400.

As a junior, Stuckenschneider was bothered by injuries and redshirted during the outdoor season.

Last year, Stuckenschneider won the OVC indoor 400 and finished second in the outdoor 400 while anchoring the Otahkians' 1,600 relay team that won several major Division I championships.

Stuckenschneider did not compete this indoor season because she was out of eligibility, but she is eligible for one final outdoor season because of the redshirt she took two years ago.

"It's been a long year of training for me without competing, and hopefully it will pay off," she said.

Stuckenschneider, who will finish her degrees with a summer internship as the activities director at Sands Resort in Myrtle Beach, S.C. -- she has been asked to remain at the resort full-time and is considering it -- counts her blessings for deciding to attend Southeast.

"I feel like I made a great decision to come here. I've had so much fun. Coach Haines and all the coaches have been great," she said. "There have been so many memories, and I've made so many friends."

Stuckenschneider is looking to end her college athletic career with a bang by setting her sights on winning another OVC 400 title and lowering her personal best time of 54.76, which would move her even higher on Southeast's all-time list.

"I want to make this year my best yet. It would be great to finish my career that way," she said.

But no matter what happens, Stuckenschneider said she will feel ultimate satisfaction regarding her Southeast experience, knowing she proved her former doubters wrong.

mmishow@semissourian.com

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