Nova Southeastern University Athletics

AS A GRADUATE STUDENT (2016) – One of the best runners for the Sharks this season claiming five top-10 finishes…Received his first SSC Runner of the Week Award for his performance at the USF Invitational…Ran in every race for the Sharks including the Sunshine State Conference and South Regional Championship…Set a personal best in the 8k race at the SSC Championship finishing with a time of 25:24.00.

AS A SENIOR (2015)
Had an incredible debut season for the Sharks, leading the team in various occasions and playing an important role to the team’s overall success…Finished third overall at the FAU Invitational 5k, where the Sharks team took first place overall…Set his best 8k time at the Sunshine State Conference Championships, where he placed fifth with a mark of 25:48…Recorded the fastest time for the Sharks at the NCAA South Region Championships 10k race, finishing seventh at just 33:17…Added his name to the top of NSU’s list of All-time best 10k time at 31.23 with his impressive run at the NCAA Division II National tournament…Selected as an SSC Commissioners Honor Roll list inclusion…His remarkable performances allowed him to be included in the SSC All-Conference and NCAA All-South Region teams. 

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
Attended high school at Berufsoberschule Coburg in Bavaria, Germany…Prior to joining the NSU Sharks, he attended Westcoast University Heide…Placed third in the Bavarian Single Uphill Championship in 2015, fourth in the Bavarian Championship 10k in 2015, regional champion in the Single Half Marathon of Schleswig-Holstein in 2013, and second at the Half Marathon Regional Championship in 2013.
 
PERSONAL
Born in Lichtenfels, Germany…Majoring in business administration…Son of Heinz and Beate Oppel…Has three siblings named Simone, Florian and Felix…Favorite food is salmon, rice and vegetables.