David Lee Holt NKU Hall of Fame
Zach Koehler was a big contributor both on and off the course for NKU cross country during his four years in Highland Heights. As a freshman he received NKU's Newcomer award. As a sophomore he took it to a different level and led the team to its first National Championship meet appearance since 1979. Zach had a dream season in 2007 as he earned All-GLVC and obtained his dream of All-American by finishing 30th in the NCAA Championship meet. At that time, he was only the second NKU athlete ever to be named an All-American. Zach became the first NKU Cross Country athlete ever to earn the GLVC's honor of Men's Cross Country Scholar-Athlete of the year. Despite injuries, Zach sacrificed his senior year for the good of the team and while his performances in 2008 were not up to 2007, Zach still served as a major inspiration to his team. Zach accumulated many honors during his time as a student-athlete at NKU including: USTFCCCA Academic All-American honors in 2006 and 2007. When he graduated, Zach was #2 all-time 5k (15:44); #4 all-time 8k list (25:27); #2 all-time NKU 10k list (31:18), with current rankings of 8th in 8k & 3rd on 10k all-time list. GLVC- 2007 All-Conference; 2006 Runner of the week (9/4/06), 2007 Men's Scholar-Athlete of the year. Zach represented NKU at an NCAA leadership seminar in Orlando, FL in May of 2007. Zach's character awards include the 2009-Vince Shulte Athlete of Distinction Award winner, 2009-Thomas J. Kearns Career Achievement Award winner, 2009-Chi Alpha Sigma (National College Athlete Honor Society) Member.
