For Michael Rohosky, Penn State Club Track & Field was never just another extracurricular; it became the defining activity of his college experience. 

Like many freshmen in Happy Valley, Rohosky was unsure where he would fit in when he arrived. The transition from high school to college was challenging at first, but everything changed for the better in his freshman spring semester when he joined the club track. 

“I just needed to do something,” said Rohosky. “I joined the team and instantly fell in love with it. It felt like home.”

Now a senior and serving as the club’s president, Rohosky has watched the team transform over the years. A once smaller, less competitive squad has now become one of the most dominant programs in the country, fostering a historic season that led both the men’s and women’s teams to achieve national titles. 

When Rohosky first joined, the team looked very different. At nationals during his freshman year, Penn State brought a relatively small group and failed to reach the podium during team standings. Fast-forward to this year’s team, and the program has turned into a powerhouse. 

Specifically, this season, the men’s team secured its third consecutive national title, while the women’s team captured its first title since 2019; a milestone that made victory even more meaningful. 

“Three years ago, we walked out of nationals with nothing, and now we’re walking out with two first-place trophies. It’s a full circle,” said Rohosky. 

That success didn’t happen overnight, but rather, the team’s culture shifted to a more competitive mindset.

“We come into every year with the same goal: we want to win,” said Rohosky. “That’s our focus from day one.”

Despite its competitive drive, Penn State Club Track & Field hasn’t lost the sense of community that originally persuaded Rohosky to join. He described the team as a family, specifically one that plays a central role in members’ daily lives. 

“For me, practice is the best part of my day. It’s where I go to get away from everything else like classes, stress, whatever’s going on,” said Rohosky. 

That sense of belonging extends beyond just the sport of track. Rohosky credits the club with creating his main social circle during college. 

“Most of my friends, my roommates, I met them through this team, and I wouldn’t change it for the world,” said Rohosky.

The club’s inclusive nature is a major part of its identity. Between sprint groups, throws, jumps, and hurdles, athletes of any background can find an event group to run with. 

“The club is what you make of it,” said Rohosky. “If you want to compete at a high level, you can. But if you just want to come out, stay active, and have fun, that’s just as important.”

Beyond competing, Rohosky has taken on significant leadership responsibilities during his time on the team. He previously served as vice president, overseeing a large organization with multiple officers and committees. 

Rohosky admitted that balancing academics with his presidential responsibilities is tough, but it’s worth it.

The club’s leadership structure includes positions on an executive board (president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer), as well as specialized roles including social media, merchandise, and THON chairs. Each position helps contribute to the team’s success both on and off the track. 

While this season ended in celebration, there were certainly challenges along the way. One of the main obstacles was team funding. 

After falling a bit short in key fundraising efforts, the squad had to come together to find alternative ways to support its travel and competition expenses. When an opportunity to clean off the snow before the Beaver Stadium hockey game materialized, 100 members of the club participated.

“We needed it, and everyone answered the call,” said Rohosky. “That’s what makes this team special.”

All the preparation, challenges, and hard work are to obtain one goal: winning nationals. Training is formatted to ensure that the athletes excel at just the right time. However, as the season progresses, practices shift from intense conditioning to maintaining healthy performance times.

By the time nationals rolled around, the two teams were more than ready. Even before the meet officially ended, it became clear that both teams dominated enough to secure the victories. Out of respect, though, the teams waited until the final results were revealed to celebrate. 

While the championship remains the highlight of the season, Rohosky said some of the most meaningful memories were made on the bus rides, practices, and competitions alongside his best friends.

Still, the image of holding the national championship trophies alongside his teammates is a memory he won’t ever forget. 

“That’s something I’ll always remember, and I’m incredibly honored to have been part of this historic team,” said Rohosky.

Rohosky’s advice for any student who considers joining the team: “Take the chance.”

If you are interested in joining the club next year, you can click here for its Instagram and GroupMe.