While the senior from Amherst has been a talented runner throughout high school and during her career at the University at Buffalo, she's still a bit reserved about her recent string of successes.

Koeppel has won individual titles in the first two cross country meets of the season. She kicked off the season with a win at the Tommy Evans Invitational in Akron, Ohio, and then took the title again this past weekend, winning the Central Collegiate Invitational.

"It's been very exciting but not quite what I expected, I guess," Koeppel said. "It was kind of shocking because I've been working for it for so long. . . . Thinking back when I first came to UB, I felt like I was running against all these girls who were so amazing. In the back of your mind you think that maybe someday you'll be there. But when you get up there, you don't take it for granted. There's always going to be someone that's better than you. It's just exciting to be able to run against tough girls."

Now, Koeppel has established herself as one of those tough girls.

Last year, she finished ninth at the Mid-American Conference meet and was a second team All-MAC selection. During the spring outdoor season she became UB's first track event champion, winning the MAC title in the 10,000-meter race. She went on to qualify for the NCAA Regionals in the 5,000 meters.

Then came the breakthrough junior season, the success and the accolades.

"The main difference for Jenny, and with any athlete, is that once you're able to have a consistent base and consistent training, you're going to perform well," said UB coach Vicki Mitchell.

"It takes a talented athlete, a focused athlete and a determined athlete to persevere through little setbacks and little injuries. Jenny has all those qualities and she's excited about what she's doing."

While Koeppel is taking the individual awards, the Bulls are having a breakout year, too.

The women have won the team scoring in both meets this season and this past weekend placed four runners among the top 20. Along with Koeppel, junior Jen Jezorski turned in a strong performance with a fourth-place finish while freshman Aleksandra Bykowska was 15th and junior Kelli O'Brien placed 17th.

"One of the main differences for us this year is we have a couple of additional women on our team that are really contributing," Mitchell said. "Our goal is that as they develop individually our whole team is gradually shifting up. I can look over the last five years and see that trend with the athletes."

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When the call finally came, Koeppel learned she had indeed received an at-large bid to the 2004 NCAA Women's Cross Country National Championship on Monday at the LaVern Gibson Championship Course at the Wabash Valley Family Sports Center in Terre Haute, Ind.

"Oh, it's hit me," Koeppel said. "I'm so excited. It was very nerve-racking after the race and the next day. . . . I was waiting on the edge thinking, "Am I going to make it? Am I going to make it?' But hard work paid off."