Alumni Update: Jenna (Harris) Griffin – Ohio State Buckeyes
1/30/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
Jan. 30, 2015
Jenna (Harris) Griffin was an All-American and multiple Big Ten champion sprinter for the Buckeyes from 2004-2008. She still owns OSU school records in the outdoor 400-meter dash (52.00) and outdoor 4×400-meter relay (3:32.77).
Griffin was equally as successful in the classroom as on the track in her time at Ohio State, graduating Summa Cum Laude in communication as an Academic All-Big Ten honoree and Big Ten Medal of Honor finalist. She would go on to earn an M.S. in human nutrition at OSU and a graduate certificate in dietetics from Iowa State.
See what Griffin, now employed by OhioHealth, has been up to since her time at Ohio State and what she remembers most about her time as a Buckeye.
Where are you now in your life after your time at Ohio State?
I am currently a Registered Dietitian in Weight Management at OhioHealth. I mainly work with patients who are trying to lose weight, either through the Surgical program or the Medical Weight Treatment program. I am married to Gerald, who also ran track at Ohio State. We have two kids, Linden (3 years old) and Elizabeth (8 months old).
What made you choose to be a Buckeye?
My campus recruiting visit sold me on Ohio State. The people and the facilities were amazing. Before my campus visit, I had never even been in the state of Ohio.
What was it like balancing school and athletics as a student-athlete?
I had to learn good time management skills while being a student athlete. It was stressful at times trying to juggle practice and meets with classes, exams and homework. I learned how to multi-task, and that has helped me in my life now.
Do you still participate in track and field in some way? If so, what do you do?
I still come to track meets to catch up with old teammates and coaches.
What is your best memory at Ohio State both on and off the track?
My best track memory was when our 4×4 team qualified for nationals at the regional championship meet at Arkansas in 2008. It was my fifth and final year, and all four of us – Chandra [Krempel], Ayrizanna [Favours], Ashley [Caldwell], and I — worked really hard all season. We were all so happy that our hard work paid off. At nationals we placed seventh, and all four of us earned All-American status.
My best memory off the track is that I met my husband at Ohio State. We’ve been married for seven years now.
What lesson did you take away from Ohio State track and field that you apply to your daily life?
I learned a lot of lessons from Ohio State track and field. One lesson, which other sprinters can appreciate, is the value of efficiency. A great example is a classic workout of ten 200s with a minute rest in between. After completing the workout several times, you learn that the faster you run your 200s, the faster you’re done with practice. In my daily life now, I see that the more efficiently I complete a task at home or at work, the more time I have for other things.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years and beyond?
I see myself providing resources to others to help them achieve a healthy lifestyle. As a dietitian, I will help people learn about healthy eating.
What advice do you have for current and future Buckeyes?
My advice would be to take time to think about how you want your life to be after you’re done with school and track. You can’t run track forever, even if you do run professionally after college. Take time to learn about careers and lifestyles that interest you to help you decide which direction you want your life to take.
