Denise was the first in what would become a sizable group ofexcellent women's cross country runner since the program'sinception in 1978. She came to Franklin & Marshall College fromWestport, CT, without any background in competitive running. Herfirst year at F&M, she did not compete on either the crosscountry or track teams. However, beginning with her sophomore year,exciting things happened. Coach Ed Woge welcomed Denise to the teamin 1981. All she did that first year was become the team's MVP, winthe Middle Atlantic Conference championship, win the NCAA MideastRegional and finish 8th in the NCAA Division III nationalchampionships to become F&M's first women's cross countryAll-American.
In her junior and senior years, Denise was named co-captain,repeated as the team's MVP and finished first in the MACchampionships, leading the Diplomats to the MAC crown both years.At the end of each year, the team qualified for the NCAA DivisionIII championships, where they placed 8th in 1982 and 4th in 1983.Individually, Denise finished 14th as a junior and 9th as a senior,earning All-American honors both years. As a member of the trackteam, Denise specialized in the middle to longer distance races.While injured part of the time, she still left her imprint on thetrack scene.
As a sophomore, she was the team?s MVP, scored the most teampoints, and established school records in five different events. Asa senior, Denise won the MAC championship in the 800, 3000, and5000 meter runs to lead the team to their first every MAC title.During that season, she bettered two of her school records and settwo new ones for a total of six. Following the regular season,Denise qualified for the NCAA Division III national track and fieldchampionships in the 5000-meter run, where she failed to make thefinals. Scholtz received her B.A. degree with a major in Americanstudies. She currently works for Delta Airlines as a flightattendant. Denise and her husband John live in Villa Hills,Kentucky.
