University of Findlay

Andrea (Morgan) Zechella was a decorated indoor and outdoor runner at Findlay, and her name still appears in the UF record book in four events. She also earned All-America honors on four occasions, twice each in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA).

The Pinnacle achievement for Zechella was as a member of the NAIA National Champion 4x800 m outdoor relay team in 200. Individually, she was runner-up in the NCAA II 800m outdoor race in 2003 and recorded what remains the fifth-ranked time in the event.

Zechella still holds UF records in the indoor 400m, 600m and 1000m events, as well as the outdoor 800m run. She credits the Oilers coaching staff for helping her to formulate and then fulfill her philosophy of “Go hard or go home!” Zechella distinctly recalls the sound of Coach Marc Arce’s voice encouraging her during the final 300m of the half-mile race. Coach Lisa Klingshirn motivated Zechella to move beyond her fears and doubts about her abilities. Because of this encouragement, upon graduation from The University of Findlay, Zechella was invited to train with the Nike Farm Team where she met the B Standard for the 2004 Olympic Trials in the 800m race.

Zechella currently serves as an Application Analyst for the University of Cincinnati in the Information Systems and Technology Department. She live is Cincinnati, Ohio with her son, Vinny and daughter, Madison.