From starting line to wedding bells, Bosler shines in big week

Last week was an extremely busy week for Erica Bosler, personally and athletically.

The starting gun was not the only noise the Penn State senior was hearing. Bosler, who runs for the Penn State women's track team, also heard wedding bells.

"I knew it was coming," Bosler said, "but the timing really surprised me."

"I met her two years ago at Kim's birthday and we just hit it off," Kairis said.

Talk about being in the right place at the right time.

Kairis was not sure if he wanted to pop the big question before or after the Big Ten Championships.

- Ryan Kairis, fiancé

Despite the recent engagement, Bosler went to East Lansing, Mich., and came home with a victory in the 600-meters. It was the only victory for any member of the team.

Bosler's victory was revenge after just barely losing in the same event in last year's Big Ten Championships. Just like last year, it was her best time of the season, and this time she finished first.

It is no surprise she went from second to first in a year. Improvement, she said, has been her forte since she first came to Penn State.

"I am most proud of myself that I have improved and gotten better every year since I have been here," Bosler said.

Coach Teri Jordan agreed and said Bosler should achieve more of the goals she has been working toward.

"She has been committed to becoming an All-American every year," Jordan said. "Each year she has been improving and she should achieve that this year."

Bosler has made huge strides in her career since coming to Penn State. Before coming here, she mostly competed in the 400-meters. Now she also competes in the 800- and 600-meters. Making the transition to 800-meters took hard work and dedication.

"It was hard, but the coaches made it easier for me," Bosler said. "The cross country season also helped me."

Jordan rewarded Bosler for her dedication by naming her co-captain earlier this year, and Bosler has lived up to that status.

Being a leader takes commitment and the leader also must accept the responsibility of the team -- both of which Bosler has done.

"I accept the criticism that comes to me," Bosler said. "I am also willing to listen to any problems that my teammates bring to me."

Bosler has achieved a lot in her four years -- she has been an All-American, a Big Ten champion, a captain and has met her future husband. If she had to do it all over again, she definitely would.

"I wouldn't change anything that has happened to me for the world," Bosler said. "I am happy that I chose Penn State."