Peru State athletic director Steve Schneider has announced that Leah Wehenkel of Auburn will begin duties soon as the Bobcats' new women's cross country coach.  Wehenkel is replacing Dr. Johann Murray who will remain at the College as assistant professor of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation.

 Wehenkel, formerly Leah Petersen, a 2007 Auburn High School graduate, is also a May 2011 honors graduate of Doane College with a bachelor of science in physical education with an emphasis in exercise science.   At both Auburn and at Doane, Wehenkel was a standout student-athlete.

While at Doane, Wehenkel (then Petersen) was a member of the Tigers' track and field team.  The eight-time national qualifier (indoor and outdoor) in the pole vault, Peterson also earned Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) All-Conference recognition in both the pole vault and javelin.   Wehenkel was also a two-time Daktronics-NAIA Track and Field Scholar-Athlete.   

Currently, Wehenkel is the manager of the Nemaha County Wellness Center, having started that position in May of 2012.  Previous employment includes serving as the pool manager for the City of Auburn, working as a physical therapy technician for Exstrom Physical Therapy in Lincoln, and working for the Auburn Public Schools as a preschool paraprofessional and junior high track coach. 

Some of Wehenkel's first duties will be to actively recruit several cross country athletes to participate in the program.  The Bobcats lost three seniors from last year's team and have two returners.

She will continue her employment with the Wellness Center in Auburn.