Bernie Rottkamp ’82 was a versatile distance runner who made his biggest impact in the 3000 steeplechase, surpassing national qualifying times in the event during each of his last 3 seasons. As a senior, he finished second at the Ohio Athletic Conference championship meet that year after falling down with 300 meters to go but getting up and passing 2 participants to finish in a school-record 9:16.98, which was the second-fastest time in OAC history. As a junior, he set a school record with a 9:19.6 time in the event while finishing third at the OAC meet. He finished second in the 3000 steeplechase at the OAC meet his sophomore year, and was third as a freshman. He won 4 straight GLCA titles in the 3000 steeplechase, helping Ohio Wesleyan extend its string to 7 straight team titles. Indoors, he ran the mile and the 2-mile. As a senior, he placed third in the OAC in the 2-mile, turning in a 9:16.98 — then the third-fastest time ever at Ohio Wesleyan. He also lettered 4 years in cross country, competing on some of Ohio Wesleyan’s best teams. As a senior, he finished 36th overall at the All-Ohio meet, eighth overall at the OAC meet and 28th overall at the NCAA regional meet. Ohio Wesleyan placed eighth at the All-Ohio and second at the OAC championship (a scant 9 points behind), both finishes the Bishops’ best ever in those meets. As a junior, he was 60th overall at the All-Ohio meet as OWU finished 12th, 21st overall at the OAC meet as OWU finished third and 47th overall at the NCAA regional as OWU was seventh. His sophomore year, he was 11th overall at the OAC championship meet as the Bishops finished second, 29 points behind. His freshman year, he was 51st overall at the All-Ohio meet, 26th overall at the OAC meet as OWU finished third and 70th overall at the NCAA regional meet as OWU placed sixth.