Beata Rudzinska (2015) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

Beata Rudzinska

Induction:
2015
Class:
2006

2003-06
Middle Distance Runner

Five-time All-American … placed third in the 800-meters at both the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships in 2005 … 14-time MAC champion, including eight straight crowns in the 800-meters (indoor and outdoor) … school record holder in four events, including the indoor and outdoor 800-meters, mile and 1,500-meters … 2004 MAC Outdoor Championship Most Valuable Performer … owns the MAC Championship Meet record in the 1,500m (4:21.11) … captured the MAC Cross Country Championship in 2005 … four-time Akron Female Athlete of the Year (’03-’06) … three-time UA track and field team MVP (’03-’05).

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A five-time All-American, 14-time MAC champion, and four-time UA Athlete of the Year, Beata Rudzinska was one of the nation’s top middle distance runners during the 2003-06 seasons.

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She ended her career with her fourth consecutive MAC Championship in the 800 meters. Rudzinska earned All-American honors in the 800 meters, finishing fifth in 2003, fourth in 2004, and third in 2005 at the NCAA Indoor Championships and finishing fourth in 2004 and third in 2005 at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.

Her 2005 outdoor time of 2:03.14 established a new UA record.

Earlier in 2004, Rudzinska had clocked a UA record-breaking time of 2:03.79 at Virginia Tech, the second fastest collegiate time in the 800 meters.

In addition, she earned three letters in cross country and led UA to the 2005 MAC crown with a first-place finish in 17:24.

“Coming from a little different background that was a very positive change,” she recalled. “Akron’s track team is powerful; extremely supportive, motivating and fun at the same time. Without the team, including the great coaching staff, my success would not have been possible.”

Following graduation, Rudzinska moved to Connecticut for a job at Silver Point Capital. She met her husband Daniel Swiegocka, and the couple married in 2007. They relocated to Canada in 2008.

Currently the export logistics coordinator at St. Paul Seed Plant, Rudzinska-Swiegocka is a member of the Northeast Alberta Track and Field Club. She is also a volunteer coach for the middle distance group at the club.

In 2015, Rudzinska-Swiegocka became a Canadian citizen.

“It is a great honor,” she said. “It’s recognition for hard work and dedication not only mine, but my coach, Scott Jones, and the entire team. I’m extremely fortunate to have that chance to study at the University of Akron and be a part of Akron’s Track and Field team. I have met great people and made great memories, and most importantly I have earned the education that is so crucial to support my family today.”