Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Cross Country's Werble Successful at Maccabiah Games
8/1/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Cross Country
BOCA RATON, Fla. - Rising junior Jonathan Werble of the Florida Atlantic University cross country team recently competed for the USA National Team in the prestigious Maccabiah Games, held in Israel.
Werble not only competed, but was very successful, coming up with two top 10 finishes in his distance events, earning a bronze medal in one to boot. Possibly even more important to him was the experience of running internationally and representing the United States.
"The Maccabiah Games was a surreal experience and I'm honored that I was selected to do what I love while representing the Owls and my country," said Werble. "In past years, (FAU Head) Coach (Alex) Smolka represented Team USA in the Maccabiah Games for the triathlon and has coached the track and field team, so I'm ecstatic that I got the chance to have a similar experience."
Not only has Smolka been a part of this event in the past, but Werble was joined at these 2017 Games by Rick Rothman, who has been on the staff of the FAU track and field program for the past four seasons.
"It added a level of comfort to have Coach Rothman by my side as one of the head coaches since we've known each other for two years and he brought great coaching insight to Team USA track and field," said Werble.
Werble ran in both the 10K and 5K in Israel, finishing third and seventh, respectively.
"The 10K road race was the most challenging course that I have ever raced since it had some brutal hills, but it was such a surreal experience since I was racing through the streets of Jerusalem, and the coolest part was finishing the last mile of the race through the old city," he said. "I've never felt more pride before than when I was competing with the USA singlet on and I'm pretty stoked that I was able to bring home a bronze medal in the 10K."
But moreover, the Weston, Florida native is most content with coming home having soaked in the experiences with his fellow competitors.
"There were over 10,000 Jewish athletes from 80 countries that participated in the games, so it was interesting to learn about these different places and compete internationally for the first time," said Werble. "I was in Israel for just over a month and obtained a better appreciation/understanding of what Israel is all about and the people who live there."
Werble and the rest of the Owls' cross country squads are in the midst of individual preparation for the season, which begins in a month's time. The opener is a home meet, the FAU Cross Country Invitational, on Friday, Sept. 1, at South Country Regional Park in Boca Raton.
Players Mentioned
