Ensslen has a passion to serve beyond the track
by Jim Sawin, sports information intern
CEDARVILLE, Ohio (5-23-2007) - Sarah Ensslen is a dedicated track and field athlete whose hard work has paid dividends, especially during her final campaign as a Cedarville University Lady Jacket. The senior psychology major became only the fourth woman in CU track and field history to win an NAIA national title at the 2007 Indoor Championships on March 10. Ensslen, who has served as a team captain since her sophomore year, was victorious in the triple jump with a career-best leap of 40 feet, 4 inches, leading the Jackets to an all-time best 6th place finish overall at the national meet.
"I knew I was going to compete well but I didn't expect to get first or to even jump 40 feet," said an excited Ensslen after NAIA Nationals. "What made it so exciting was that I was injured all three years prior, so it was a huge blessing from God. It was nice to reach a goal I have had since my junior year of high school."
Despite battling injuries throughout her career, Sarah has compiled a prestigious list of accomplishments during her time at Cedarville. The three-time NAIA All-American has never lost a National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Indoor triple jump title, has won a combined nine NCCAA individual championships in the long and triple jump, and recently was named the Outstanding Field Performer at the American Mideast Conference (AMC) Championship meet on April 21 after winning the triple jump (40-4), long jump (18-5) and high jump (5-3.75). Sarah attributes her athletic success to God-given ability and hard work.
"I've always worked out a lot. Injuries in the past have hindered my workouts, but I've been able to train consistently this season," said the senior captain. "I do the sprinter workouts, lift three times per week and do three different types of plyometrics each week. I haven't taken off a day since Christmas break."
Ensslen's dedication goes beyond the athletic realm as she is even more passionate about serving Jesus Christ in ministry. She has served at Liberty Nursing Center since her freshman year and has been the ministry team leader for the past two years. She also helped start Southeastern Baptist Church in nearby South Charleston her first year of college and is still highly involved in the church, serving as the lead singer on the worship team and reaching the community through a number of programs. Sarah has made four trips to Bolivia during the summers as well to help build churches and homes for the native people.
Sarah was recently recognized for her athletic talent and selfless servanthood as she was honored with the Donald E. Callan Award. This award recognizes one CU senior female athlete on the basis of athletic ability, Christian service, scholarship, Christian character and leadership.
When asked how she balances athletics, school and ministry, Sarah responded, "I really don't know because I do a lot of things. I just don't take breaks very often. I have gotten burned out before but usually it's due to extra circumstances going on, whether it's a life of a friend or a crisis, not necessarily because I have too much to do."
Sarah's kind acts stem from her love for Christ which has given her a passion to help others. She attributes much of this passion to a Bible class she took last semester at Cedarville University.
"Personal evangelism class has had a huge impact on my life with Dr. Blumenstock because it took me from focusing on myself to focusing on God," said the 2007 NAIA Champion of Character Award recipient. "Life has been more joyful and peaceful for me since that class."
Head track & field coach Jeff Bolender has also played a big role in Ensslen's development as both a track athlete and person. Throughout high school, Sarah felt a large amount of pressure to score in a number of events to help her team. Once she arrived at Cedarville, however, Coach Bolender helped relieve some of that unnecessary pressure.
"With Coach Bo, it's all about your goals and how you want to succeed," said Ensslen. "It took awhile for me to get used to having my own goals but it was beneficial because I didn't feel the pressure. His encouragement and help in achieving my goals has been huge."
Sarah not only has performance goals such as leaping 42 feet in the triple jump and 19 feet in the long jump to break school records held by NAIA Hall of Fame member Stephanie Sherman Forrest, but she also wants to meet specific marks in the weight room. Her main lifting goal is to power clean 160 pounds. She set the goal in January when her best was 115 pounds. Her max is currently 140 pounds and she is determined to reach 160 within the next couple of weeks.
"I gave Sarah a list compiled by LSU assistant track and field coach Irving Schexnayder at the beginning of the season that has standards for elite athletes in various events," said Bolender. "She may not be able to do everything the elite athletes can, but she wants to get as close as she can to those marks. It's been great to work with someone so intrinsically motivated and talented. She's pushed herself harder than just about anyone I've ever coached."
Sarah has set herself up for a successful future with her dedication to the Lord and determination in athletics. Upon graduating from Cedarville, she would like to pursue a master's degree in counseling before going into full-time ministry. Sarah is not sure where exactly God will lead her in the future, but she will continue to love others along the way.
