Jeff Leuenberger

By Randy Mayes

Raised in Shawano, Wisconsin about thirty miles from Green Bay in a small farming community, Jeff Leuenberger had plenty of outdoor activities throughout the year. Influenced by his father, he concentrated on basketball and baseball through middle school. While a freshman in high school, he started running. His focus changed as he found he was good at it and enjoyed it. He went on to earn all-state status twice during his senior year, finishing second in cross-country and at 3200m.

He went to the Naval Academy and graduated in 1994 with a degree in physics. While at the academy he ran cross-country and indoor and outdoor track all four years. He earned the All-East title twice in track. As a senior he served as captain of the cross-country team. He was also a member of the Navy team that finished seventh at the Division 1 Cross-Country NCAA Championships in 1992. His best times on the track included 1500m (3:47), 3000m(8:12), 5000m (14:18), and 10000m (29:12).

After college Leuenberger entered the submarine community. After nuclear power school in Orlando and Saratoga, NY, he was assigned to a ballistic missile submarine in Bangor, WA. He then served three and one-half years on board the USS Nevada Gold. While at sea he would stop running completely and start back up when he returned to port.

Currently working at the Naval Academy in the Character Development Office, he assists with special projects and teaches submarine officer training. He is also a Volunteer Assistant Coach for the men’s cross country team. While training occasionally with the Navy track team, he says the break from running while on the sub allowed his legs to recover from several years of hard training.

With a busy year on the roads in 2000, Leuenberger seemingly came out of nowhere to accumulate wins at Pike’s Peek 10K (30:14), Gold’s Gym 5K (15:21), and the Reston Ten-Miler. Second place finishes include Run vs. Row 10K (30:48) and SGMA Capital Challenge 3 Miler (14:56). Others races include the Rockville Rotary Twilight 8K (25:52) and the Defenders Ten Miler (53:25).

In June 2001 he must make a decision whether to go back to a submarine and out to sea for three years if he stays with the Navy. If he gets out, he will most likely go to business school. With PRs of 14:37 at 5K and 29:21 at 10K in 1994, Leuenberger hopes to return to his previous level and is pleased at how well it is going so far.

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