Jessica's freshman year at Ohio University opened her eyes to a campus culture where many students, particularly women, felt uncomfortable exercising alone or at night. As an avid runner who often modified her schedule to avoid solo workouts, she knew something needed to change.
"I remembered reading about rucking and how military units use it for team building," Jessica recalls. "I thought, what if we could create a community where students could exercise together, build strength, and feel secure?"
With determination and a few flyers posted around campus, Jessica launched the "State U Ruckers" club. The first meeting drew fifteen students, each bringing whatever backpack they had. The group started with evening walks around the well-lit campus paths, combining fitness with friendship.
Word spread quickly. Soon, the club grew to over fifty members, meeting three times a week. Students from all backgrounds joined – athletes, study-focused scholars, and those who had never felt comfortable in traditional gym settings. They rucked together, watched out for each other, and built lasting connections.
"What started as a safety solution became so much more," Jessica explains. "We're not just a fitness club; we're a community. When I see freshman students who were once hesitant to exercise outdoors now leading their own ruck groups, I know we've created something meaningful. We're proving that strength isn't just about the weight in your pack – it's about the people walking beside you."
Jennifer Pishko, MSNE, is a leader in integrative health and community wellness. She is the Co-founder of McCoy Medical, which blends primary care with a robust education program focused on health, wellness, and fitness. Jennifer also serves as Chief Operating Officer of the CrossFit Medical Society. She holds a master’s degree in Nutrition Education with a specialization in Public Health, and certifications in adaptive training, athlete-centered trauma, and precision nutrition.
