Kennesaw State University Athletics

Venalainen is widely considered the greatest student-athlete in Kennesaw State history. The legendary long distance specialist was a four-year letter winner for the Owls and was named the 2001 NCAA Division II Runner of the Year. A four-time national champion in cross country and track, Venalainen was also a four-time All-American in cross country and remains the only runner in the history of the Peach Belt Conference to win three consecutive conference championships.