Student and Athlete Stephanie Herbst
June 29, 2006 | Women's Cross Country
With the recent announcement of the 2005-06 University of Wisconsin Athletes of the Year, uwbadgers.com decided to look back at some former UW Athletes of the Year and where they are now. This is the second in a series of former Badgers who were also named the Big Ten Conference Athlete of the Year.
Few athletes have passed through the University of Wisconsin and done more to distinguish themselves as both a student and athlete than 1988 graduate Stephanie (Herbst) Lucke. The 1985-86 UW and Big Ten Conference Female Athlete of the Year, Lucke distinguished herself in both cross country and track during her well-decorated UW career, epitomizing what it means to be a student athlete.
As a Badger, the Chaska, Minn., native achieved success on both the Big Ten and NCAA levels. Lucke ran her way to seven conference titles, three national titles and was also named a six-time All-American and four-time All-Big Ten member.
During the 1985-86 season, Lucke enjoyed her most successful year as a Badger. As a cross country runner, she led the UW to its second consecutive NCAA title, crossing the line first among Badger runners and finishing seventh overall. In track, she set numerous Big Ten and collegiate records, some of which stand to this day. Her 10,000 meter time of 32:32.75 set the then-NCAA record and still stands as the Big Ten all-time best time. Lucke also still the holds the Big Ten championship marks for the indoor 3000 meters (9:08.42) and the outdoor 10,000 meters (32:54.37).
The 2002 UW Athletic Hall of Fame inductee said of the being named the athlete of the year, 'At the time, I don't think I honestly knew what this honor meant. I was even reluctant to attend the awards ceremony. As the years have passed, I have really come to realize what a tremendous privilege it was to receive this award.'
When asked of her top-10 track-related moments, Lucke pointed to the great moments of success she enjoyed as part of a team. In particular, she highlighted her freshman track season in 1985, when she was led and mentored by an talented senior class who capped off its career by winning the Big Ten outdoor championships. She noted off the post-meet celebration with her teammates and friends, 'The amount of sheer enthusiasm that was felt is hard to convey. There was shouting, dancing etc'The track was closing and we were still out there celebrating.'
While Lucke's dedication can clearly be seen in her athletic accomplishments, it is equally evident in how it paid off in the classroom as well. A two-time Academic All-American, Lucke has utilized the world-class education she received at the UW to create her own successful consulting business, Marketing Introductions, based in her current home of Atlanta.
Though she currently lives in Atlanta with her husband and three children, Lucke still considers Madison to be her second home, returning four to five times a year, and is still actively involved with UW athletics as a member of the National W Club board. Of her time in Madison, she noted, 'UW provided me an education, a running career, best friends and a rich feeling of tradition, pride, mutual sacrifice and success. I owe so much to the coaches, teachers, and athletic department that took the time and interest to mold me into a Wisconsin Badger.'
