2011 GWU CROSS COUNTRY TABLE OF CONTENTS
Editor: ................................................................... Kevin Davis Editorial Assistance: .......................................... Bailey Davis, ............................................................ Holly Scott, John Harris Layout and Design: .............................................. Kevin Davis Cover Artwork: ................................................... Kevin Davis Cover Concept:..................................................... Kevin Davis Photography: ............................... Bob Carey, Brent C. Hager, ....................Atlantic Sun Conference, Big South Conference, ......................................GWU Photo Team, GWU File Photos, ..................................Abby Dolan, Kevin Davis, Ryan Bridges
Gardner-Webb ........................... Inside Front Cover 2011 Table of Contents/Credits ............................ 1 2011 Cross Country Schedule ................................ 1 Head Coach Brian Baker ...................................... 2-3 2011 Women’s Team/Roster .................................. 4 2011 Women’s Profiles ......................................... 5-8 2010 Women’s Season Review ............................... 9 2011 Men’s Team/Roster .......................................10 2011 Men’s Profiles........................................... 11-16 2010 Men’s Season Review ....................................17 GWU Administration......................................... 18-19 President - Dr. A. Frank Bonner .......................18 V.P. for Athletics - Chuck Burch .........................19 Gardner-Webb University ......................................20 Gardner-Webb Academics .....................................21 GWU Athletic Training ............................................22 GWU Strength and Conditioning ..........................23 Big South Conference...............................................24 GWUsports.com ..........................Inside Back Cover
Special thanks to head coach Brian Baker and the GWU cross country teams for their assistance in producing this media guide.
Gardner-Webb admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs and athletic and other school-administered programs.
2011 GARDNER-WEBB CROSS COUNTRY SCHEDULE
Date
Tournament
Host School/Location
September 2
UNC Season Preview
September 10
Charlotte Duels
Charlotte/Charlotte, N.C.
September 17
Winthrop Invitational
Winthrop/Rock Hill, S.C.
September 30
Charlotte Cross Country Invitational
Charlotte/Charlotte, N.C.
October 14
Blue Ridge Open
October 29
2011 Big South Conference Championships
November 12
2011 NCAA Regionals
November 21
2011 NCAA Championships
UNC-Chapel Hill/Chapel Hill, N.C.
Appalachian State/Boone, N.C. Coastal Carolina/Conway, S.C. Louisville, Ky.
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Indiana State/Terre Haute, Ind.
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HEAD COACH BRIAN BAKER
Brian Baker Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Ninth Year 2006 Atlantic Sun Men’s Coach of the Year Brian Baker is entering in his ninth full season as the Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at GardnerWebb University. In only the Runnin’ Bulldogs third season in the Big South Conference, the GWU cross country and track & field teams continued to succeed in both the athletic events and in the classroom in 2010-11. GWU’s men’s and women’s cross country teams both had strong seasons in 2010, as the women’s team, who were all returners from the previous season, finished in sixth-place overall at the 2010 Big South Championship meet. On the men’s side, comprised of five freshmen and five returners, GWU finished ninth overall as a team. While both teams’ battled through injuries and tough competition throughout the season, setting individual personal best times throughout the year, the Runnin’ Bulldogs were also rewarded for their work in the classroom. Seniors Laura Scott and Paul Steinke both earned a spot on the 2010 Big South All-Academic Teams, while the GWU women’s cross country team earned USTFCCCA All-Academic Team Honors. The 2010 indoor track & field season was highlighted by the breaking of four GWU school records, 11 individuals earning all-conference honors and the setting of over 60 personal best records throughout the season. Hutschalik set the school record in the weight throw event with a mark of 19.27 meters at the conference championships, while sophomore Josiah Stanton-Brooks set a new GWU record in the 1000 meter run with a time of 2:32.52 at the Liberty Open. On the women’s side, sophomore thrower Ashlei Alexander set new school records in both the shot put (13.41 meters) and the weight throw (16.19 meters) at the Big South Championships. Earning all-conference honors for the 2011 season was Alexander, who won the shot put event (13.41 meters), senior Carrie Long, who took second in the pole vault event (3.60 meters), Sarah Herd, who placed third in the high jump (1.68 meters), and the 4x400 meter relay team of T’Keyah Bell, Cherish Richardson, Amara Isbell and Ivana Hughes earned all-conference honors as well with a second-place finish overall (3:56.02). On the men’s side, Hutschalik picked up a first-place finish in the hammer throw (19.27 meters), senior Johnathan Rucker recorded a third-place finish in the 60-meter hurdles (8.09), junior Travis Rogers placed third in the weight throw (17.49 meters) and Stanton-Brooks earned a second-place finish in the 800 meter run (1:55.19). During the 2011 outdoor season, GWU sent Hutschalik to the NCAA East Regional Meet, had freshman Carson Sears named the 2011 Big South Freshman of the Year, saw six school records fall, seven different athletes earn all-conference honors and over 60 personal best marks set throughout the season. Senior Diana Palka set a new GWU record in the women’s 3000-meter steeplechase with a time of 11:20.46 at the Carolina’s Cup, while both Ann-Marie Howell and Carrie Long set a new women’s pole vault record with a mark of 3.75 meters. Alexander set a new record in the shot put event at the Big South Championships with a distance of 13.88 meters, while Hutschalik reset his GWU school record in the hammer throw with a new best mark of 61.08 meters. Rucker set a new school record in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 14.39, while Stanton-Brooks set a school record in the 1500 meter run with a time of 3:56.44. Receiving all-conference honors was Alexander, who took first-place in the shot put (13.88 meters) and second-place in the hammer (49.97 meters), while Howell placed second in the pole vault (3.70 meters) and freshman Kristen Hurley earned all-conference with third-place finish in the women’s heptathlon (4179 points). On the men’s side Hutschalik picked up a first-place finish in the hammer throw (60.81 meters), Rucker placed second in the 110-meter hurdles (14.40) and Clint McManus placed second in the pole vault event (4.60 meters). Sears earned all-conference honors and was tabbed the 2011 Big South Men’s Freshman of the Year for his second-place finishes in both the hammer (57.39 meters) and the discus throw events (46.60 meters). In the classroom, both senior Carrie Long and redshirt-senior Christoph Hutschalik were named both the Big South Indoor Track & Field Scholar-Athletes of the Year, as well as the Big South Outdoor Track & Field Scholar-Athletes for the season, putting both on the indoor and outdoor Big South All-Academic Teams. As a team, the women’s outdoor track & field team earned the 2010-11 Big South Sportsmanship Award for track & field. Long, who was a nominee for both the 2011 Big South Woman of the Year and the 2011 NCAA Woman of the Year, received the Big South Conference’s prestigious George A. Christenberry Award for Academic Excellence, graduating from GWU with a perfect 4.00 grade point average in Biology. In the 2010 fall cross country season, both the men’s and women’s teams finished in eighth-place respectively at the 2009 Big South Conference Meet, while juniors Laura Scott and Jason Wenzel were both named to the 2009 Big South All-Academic Teams. Wenzel, who holds a perfect 4.00 cumulative grade point average, while working toward a degree in Economics and Finance, was named the 2009 Big South Cross Country Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year. The 2009-10 indoor track & field season was highlighted by the breaking of four GWU school records, four individuals earning all-conference honors and the setting of a prolific amount of personal best records throughout the season. Junior Evan Brusich set the new GWU school record in the men’s heptathlon with 4780 points at the conference championships meet, while fellow teammate Nick Kelly set a new school record in the 1-mile run with a time of 4:18.32 at the Big South Indoor Championships. Redshirt-junior Christoph Hutschalik also set a new GWU record at the conference meet, as he turned in a school record distance of 17.80 meters (58’04.75”) in the men’s weight throw event. GWU’s relay unit of Kelly, Josiah Stanton-Brooks, Charlie and Paul Steinke set a new school record in the distance medley relay, turning in a time of 10:29.47 at the Niswonger Invitational hosted by ETSU on January 22-23. Brusich took third in the men’s heptathlon to earn all-conference recognition, joining redshirt-sophomore Christoph Hutschalik who garnered all-conference honors with his third-place finish in the weight throw event. On the women’s side, junior Carrie Long placed third overall in the women’s pole vault event to earn all-conference honors for the third time in her career at GWU, while freshman thrower Ashlei Alexander picked up all-conference honors with a second-place finish in the women’s shot put event at the conference championship meet. Senior Kayla Morgan and Hutschalik also earned postseason conference awards for their work in the classroom, as each was named to their respective Big South All-Academic Teams. Like the 2009-10 indoor season, the 2010 outdoor season was highlighted by an abundant of strong individual performances week-in and week-out. While both the men’s and women’s teams each finished seventh overall in the team standings at the 2010 Big South Outdoor Championships, the individual performances throughout the season were very strong as two student-athletes - Paul Steinke and Christoph Hutschalik - qualified for the NCAA East Regoinals meet, four school records were broken, four student-athletes earned all-conference honors and over forty-five personal records were set during the spring season. Sophomore distance runner Nick Kelly set a new GWU school record in the 5000 meter run with a time of 14:57.94 at the Charlotte 49er Classic, the Bulldogs first outdoor meet of the season. Junior Diana Palka also set a new school record in the opening meet, as she turned in a time of 11:48.77 in the 3000-meter
GWU CROSS COUNTRY
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HEAD COACH BRIAN BAKER steeplechase event. Fellow teammate Christoph Hutschalik broke his own GWU school record in the men’s hammer throw, as he turned in a mark of 59.05 meters (193’9”) at the Georgia Tech Invitational, while on the women’s side senior thrower Brieanna Thompson also set a school record in the hammer throw with a mark of 51.25 meters (168’2”). At the 2010 Big South Outdoor Championships, junior Evan Brusich picked up all-conference recognition with his second-place finish in the decathlon, while freshman Clint McManus garnered all-conference honors with a third-place finish in the men’s pole vault event. Senior sprinter Paul Steinke won the 400 meter hurdles event with a time of 52.17 to earn all-conference recognition, while on the women’s side Carrie Long took third-place in the women’s pole vault event to be tabbed all-conference. Both Paul Steinke and Carrie Long also received postseason conference honors for their work in the classroom, as both were named to the 2010 Big South AllAcademic Team for the outdoor track and field season. In its first year in the Big South Conference, the cross country and track & field programs all faired well in 2008-09, as the women’s cross country team finished 32nd overall at the NCAA Southeast Regional meet, the indoor track & field teams set two new GWU records en route to fifth-place finishes in both men’s and women’s standings at the conference championship meet, while the Runnin’ Bulldogs outdoor track & field teams sent four student-athletes - Kelly Brides, Paul Steinke, Adam Reed and Christoph Hutschalik - to the NCAA East Regionals, setting five new school records along the way. In 2008-09, the Runnin’ Bulldogs had nine all-conference performers in indoor track & field, highlighted by senior Jake Didion being named the men’s Most Outstanding Field Performer for the Conference meet, and nine all-conference performers in outdoor track and field. The Runnin’ Bulldogs also received honors for their work in the classroom in 2008-09, as Victoria Argus was named to the All-Conference Academic Team for indoor track & field, while Paul Steinke and Kelly Bridges were both named to the All-Conference Academic Team for the outdoor track & field season. The 2008 GWU women’s cross country team was honored as a 2008 NCAA Division I All-Academic Team by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, one of 160 NCAA Division I schools to receive the honor. Not to be outdone, the 2008-09 women’s indoor track & field team was honored by receiving the Big South Conference Team Sportsmanship Award for the winter season, sharing the award with High Point. During the 2007-08 season, the Runnin’ Bulldogs last in the Atlantic Sun Conference, Baker’s group of talented athletes posted 17 school records. Individually, nine conference titles were won during the year. Four of the student-athletes - Caryn Daane, Jerel Langley, Carrie Long and Elizabeth Maxwell had performances that were good enough to allow them to compete at the NCAA East Region. During the 2006-07 campaign, his team recorded 25 school-record marks. Four student-athletes - Jake Didion, Elliott Haynie, Langley and Maxwell garnered a spot at the NCAA East Region Championships with Didion and Langley earning top-10 finishes. The Runnin’ Bulldogs had multiple individual champions at the conference meet during the indoor and outdoor campaigns. Cody MacArthur and Maxwell were each named the Most Outstanding Field Events Performer under Baker’s guidance. Baker led a banner year for the Runnin’ Bulldogs in 2005-2006. GWU finished third at the 2006 A-Sun Indoor Track & Field Championships on both the men and women’s side, setting the bar high for the outdoor championships in Clermont, Florida. Baker’s men blitzed the field en route to the school’s first-ever Atlantic Sun Conference team title, running away from the field as MacArthur was named Most Outstanding Field Events Performer and Dobson Collins earned Most Valuable Freshman honors. The GWU women also finished strong outdoors as the program tied its highest finish ever by taking second. In the 2005-06 academic year, both the men and women proved to be strong competition throughout the season, with four men and two women garnering A-Sun Athlete of the Week honors. With the track & field programs each looking strong, and both cross country programs showing steady improvement, Baker has his operation headed in the right direction on all fronts. Prior to his current role, Baker served the Runnin’ Bulldogs as head cross country coach and assistant track coach, but accepted his new role following the conclusion of the 2003 outdoor season. An expert in the distance events, Baker provides Gardner-Webb Track & Field with a high level of national experience and knowledge - as well as respect from his many years of involvement at collegiate track’s highest level of competition. During his time in Boiling Springs, the GWU distance corps has improved by leaps and bounds - with each member of the team posting new personal records on a regular basis. A product of the nation’s most storied Division I track program at the University of Arkansas, Baker is no stranger to success on the track or the cross-country course. Baker, who ran professionally with New Balance until recently, is also quite experienced on the international level as well. A 1994 graduate of Arkansas with a degree in kinesiology, Baker was a key cog in the Razorbacks’ domination of NCAA Division I cross country and track in the early 90’s. He ran on Arkansas teams that won national titles in 1990 (Indoor and Cross Country), 1991 (Indoor), 1992 (Cross Country), 1993 (Indoor, Outdoor, and Cross Country), 1994 (Indoor and Outdoor). Twice (1992-93 and 1993-94) the Razorbacks won the NCAA Division I triple crown, with national championships in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track. In addition to team success, Baker won individual national titles in the Indoor Distance Medley Relay and the Outdoor 5,000-meter run as a senior (1994). Baker was a two-time individual conference cross country champion and 5,000-meter run champion as well, winning one title each in the SWC and the SEC. Arkansas captured 12 total conference championships as a team during Baker’s career, including three SWC titles and nine SEC titles. He was an alternate for the 1996 Olympic Team in the 5,000-meter run and finished ninth in the 3,000-meter run at the 1999 World Indoor Track & Field Championships held in Japan. In 1995, he placed 10th in the 5,000-meter run at the World University Games. Baker is also a former member of the U.S. World Cross Country Team (1996 and 1997) and finished third, receiving a bronze medal at the Pan American Games. In 2001, Baker competed in the Chiba Ekiden relays in Japan. The Batesville (Ark.) High graduate was a three-time prep state champion in cross country and two-time outdoor state champion in the 1,600m run and 3,200m run In June of 2004, Baker was inducted into the Arkansas Track and Field Hall of Fame. Baker was also inducted into the Batesville Area Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010. Baker has two boys, Quinn Addison Baker (7) and Ian York Baker (5)
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2011 CROSS COUNTRY WOMEN’S ROSTER
WOMEN’S ROSTER Name Elizabeth Glunk Amanda Hinson Ivana Hughes Stacia Orock Cherish Richardson Elisabeth Sawyer Katie Spiro Leah Steinke Ariel Zimmerman
Ht. 5-10 5-5 5-5 5-5 5-6 5-9 5-5 5-4 5-9
GWU CROSS COUNTRY
Class Hometown/Previous School R-Jr. Carrollton, Va./Smithfield H.S. Fr. Monroe, N.C./Piedmont H.S. R-So. Evans, Ga./Evans H.S. So. Hermitage, Pa./Hickory H.S. Sr. Augusta, Ga./Greenbrier H.S. R-Jr. Charlotte, N.C./East Mecklenburg H.S. So. Sylva, N.C./Smoky Mountain H.S. R-So. Green Cove Springs, Fla./Trinity Christian Academy Jr. Williamsburg, Va./Lafayette H.S.
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RUNNIN’ BULLDOGS
Cherish Richardson Senior * 5-6 Augusta, Ga. * Greenbrier H.S. 2010 Cross Country: Recorded a 26th-place finish at the UNC Invitational (5k) with a time of 22:36.04 ... Finished 30th overall with a time of 14:00.20 at the Western Carolina Open (2-mile) ... Crossed the finish line with a time of 21:45.60 at the Charlotte Invitational (5000m) ... Posted a time of 22:39.80 at the Blue Ridge Open (5k) ... Competed at the 2010 Big South Championships (5k), turning in a time of 21:54.68. 2009 Cross Country: Teamed up with Lia Hudak to turn in a ninth-place finish at the Wofford Relays with their combined time of 25:16 ... Finished in 26th-place at the Western Carolina Open (2 mile) with a time of 13:37.23 ... Crossed the finish line in 21:27.80 at the Charlotte Invitational (5k) ... Recorded a time of 22:12.13 at the Blue Ridge Open (5k) ... Turned in a time of 22:41 at the 2009 Big South Championship Meet (5k). 2008 Cross Country: Finished 32nd at the WCU Open after crossing the line in 14:19.89 ... Placed 54th at the Wolfpack Invitational with a time of 23:04 ... Recorded a personal-best time of 22:20.25, finishing 37th, at the Catamount Classic. Before Gardner-Webb: A two-year standout on the track and field team ... Finished seventh at the state meet in the 800m her senior season ... Region champion her senior campaign in the 800m ... School record holder in the 800m, 4x400m and 4x800m ... Part of the four-time cross country region championship team ... Part of the two-time track and field region championship team.
Elizabeth Glunk Redshirt-Junior * 5-10 Carrolton, Va. * Smithfield H.S. 2010 Cross Country: Ran in the first meet of the season ... Finished in 14th-place overall with a time of 12:38.20 at the Western Carolina Open (2-mile). 2009 Cross Country: Did not compete in a meet. 2008 Cross Country: Posted a time of 13:38.26 at the WCU Open, crossing the line in 21st place ... Recorded a personal-best time of 21:49.39 to place 34th at the Catamount Classic ... Notched 20th place at the Pirate XC Invitational after crossing in 21:20 ... Ran 22:14 at the Blue Ridge Open ... Had a time of 23:22.50 at the New Balance Big South Conference Championships. Before Gardner-Webb: A three-year letterwinner in cross country at Smithfield H.S. ... Two-year varsity track student-athlete ... Won the Coach’s Award her junior season.
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RUNNIN’ BULLDOGS
Elisabeth Sawyer Redshirt-Junior * 5-9 Charlotte, N.C. * East Mecklenburg H.S. 2010 Cross Country: Picked up three top-20 finishes on the 2010 season ... Finished 13th overall at the Western Carolina Open (2-mile) with a time of 12:33.10 ... Crossed the finish line in 20:04.91, good enough for 11th-place at the UNC Invitational (5k) ... Recorded a time of 20:22.24 at the Big South Preview (5k) to finish in 20th-place ... Turned in a time of 19:12.80 at the Charlotte Invitational (5000m) ... Notched a time of 19:57.00 at the Blue Ridge Open (5k) ... Posted a time of 19:58.43 at the 2010 Big South Championships (5k) ... Wrapped up the season with a time of 24:06.60 at the 2010 NCAA Southeast Regional meet (6k) in Louisville, Ky. 2009 Cross Country: Picked up a sixth-place finish with Ariel Zimmerman at the Wofford Relays with a combined time of 24:39 ... Notched a 32nd-place finish with her time of 14:08.67 at the Western Carolina Open (2mile) ... Finished in 48th-plae overall with a time of 22:54.00 at the Big South Conference Preview Meet (5k) ... Recorded a time of 21:08.02 at the Charlotte invitational (5k) ... Competed at the Blue Ridge Open (5k), turning in a time of 21:39.89 ... Crossed the finish line with a time of 22:01 at the 2009 Big South Conference Championship Meet (5k). Before Gardner-Webb: Two-time team captain at East Mecklenburg H.S. ... Two-time regional qualifier in the 300m hurdles ... Part of the two-time 4x800m regional qualifying team ... Part of the 4x400m regional qualifying squad ... Team MVP her senior season.
Ariel Zimmerman Junior * 5-9 Williamsburg, Va. * Lafayette H.S. 2010 Cross Country: Topped all Runnin’ Bulldog runners in three out of seven GWU meets ... Finished fourth at the Western Carolina Open (2-mile) with a time of 12:00.50 ... Crossed the finish line in 19:39.85, good enough for 10th-place at the UNC Invitational (5k) ... Recorded a seventh-place finish with a time of 19:37.78 at the Big South Preview Meet (5k) ... Posted a time of 20:31.00 at the Blue Ridge Open (5k) ... Turned in a time of 18:59.80 at the Charlotte Invitational (5000m) ... Crossed the finish line at the 2010 Big South Championships (5k) with a time of 20:01.48 ... Finished the season with a time of 24:41.50 at the 2010 NCAA Southeast Regional meet (6k) in Louisville, Ky. 2009 Cross Country: Teamed up with teammate Elisabeth Sawyer to pick up a sixth-place finish at the Wofford Relays with a time of 24:39 ... Notched an eighth-place finish at the Western Carolina Open (2 mile) with a time of 12:18.87 ... Finished in 20th-place at the Big South Conference Preview Meet (5k) with a time of 20:07.00 ... Turned in a time of 19:39.50 at the Charlotte invitational (5k) ... Posted a time of 20:32.55 at the Blue Ridge Open (5k) ... Crossed the finish line with a time of 22:11 at the 2009 Big South Conference Championship Meet (5k). Before Gardner-Webb: Was a two-sport standout student-athlete at Lafayette High School ... Qualified for the state championships in high jump, pole vault and the 4x800 meter relay team as a senior ... Was named All-District in cross country (20:48) as a senior ... Was named All-District in the high jump (4’10”) and in the pole vault (8’6”) her senior year ... Was named to the All-District team in the 1 mile (5:25), the 800 meter run (2:23) and in the 4x800 meter relay team (2:20) ... Was All-State in indoor and outdoor track and field ... Finished 12th in the 500 meter run at the Indoor state championships ... Was a three-year starter on the varsity soccer team ... Her soccer team finished fourth in the state her junior season ... Was awarded two school spirit and scholar awards ... Was a member of the National Honor Society and the NAHS.
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RUNNIN’ BULLDOGS
Ivana Hughes Redshirt-Sophomore * 5-5 Evans, Ga. * Evans H.S. 2010 Cross Country: Placed 27th overall at the Western Carolina Open (2-mile) with a time of 13:31.90 ... Crossed the finish line in 21stplace at the UNC Invitational (5k) with a time of 21:54.77 ... Recorded a time of 22:10.12 at the Big South Preview meet (5k) ... Turned in a time of 24:38.10 at the Blue Ridge Open (5k) in Boone, N.C. ... Notched a time of 22:40.79 at the 2010 Big South Championships (5k). 2009 Cross Country: Did not compete in a meet. Before Gardner-Webb: Was a four-year letterwinner at Evans High School ... Was the 400 county and region champion as a senior ... Was the county champion in the 400 as a junior and a sophomore ... Took second place in 400 at the county championships as a freshman ... Was the 800 region champion as a senior ... Finished in third-place in the 800 at the state championships as a senior and junior ... Finished second in the 800 at the regionals her junior season and third in the 800 at the county championships as a sophomore ... Took sixth in the 400 and seventh in the 800 at the Taco Bell Classic ... Helped her cross country team finish first at the county meet and second at the regionals ... Was named the Rookie of the Year ... Set a personal best time of .57 in the 400 meter run as a senior ... Has a personal best time of 2:19 in the 800 meter run.
Leah Steinke Redshirt-Sophomore * 5-4 Green Cove Springs, Fla. * Trinity Christian Academy 2010 Cross Country: Ran in three meets for the Runnin’ Bulldogs ... Finished 28th overall at the Western Carolina Open (2-mile) with a time of 13:33.50 ... Recorded a time of 21:55.30 at the Big South Preview (5k) ... Crossed the finish line with a time of 21:46.74 at the 2010 Big South Championships (5k). 2009 Cross Country: Did not compete in a meet. Before Gardner-Webb: Was a six-time state qualifier in the 800 meters for Trinity Christian Academy ... Won districts in the 800 and in the mile as a freshman ... Also won the districts in the mile and 800 as a sophomore ... Finished second in the state at the 800 meter run as a junior with a personal best time of 2:18 ... Was on the varsity soccer team in both her senior and junior years ... Was a competitive gymnast from the age of 10 to 17.
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RUNNIN’ BULLDOGS
Stacia Orock Sophomore * 5-5 Hermitage, Pa. * Hickory H.S. 2010 Cross Country: Did not compete for Gardner-Webb.
Katie Spiro Sophomore * 5-5 Sylva, N.C. * Smoky Mountain H.S. 2010 Cross Country: Did not compete in a cross country meet. High School: Was a multi-sport and multi-letterwinner at Smokey Mountain High School ... Four-time All-Conference performer ... Earned All-Region and All-State honors her senior season ... Three-time team MVP ... Competed at the state championships all four years ... Posted personal best marks of 59.8 in the 400 meter dash, 2:23 in the 800 meter run, 16’1” in the long jump and 34’1” in the shot put ... Also lettered in cross country, volleyball and basketball ... Two-time winner of the Mustang Awards ... A Wendy’s High School Heisman Finalist ... A top10 Senior in her class ... A member of “Who’s Who in America for High School Students” ... Miss Mustang All-Academic Award recipient ... A North Carolina Scholar ... A member of the National Honors Society.
Amanda Hinson Freshman * 5-5 Monroe, N.C. * Piedmont H.S. High School: Ran cross country and track at Piedmont High School (Monroe, N.C.) ... Won all-state honors as a senior ... Three-time allconference ... Three-time state qualifier in cross country as well as track (2 mile, 4x800 relay) ... Second at the state track meet in the 2 mile, setting a Piedmont High record at 11:59 ... Recorded conference wins in the 1 mile run, 2 mile run, and 4x800 relay as a junior ... Ran a time of 20:11 in the 5K as a sophomore ... Competed on the Piedmont High swimming team as a freshman
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2010 WOMEN’S SEASON RESULTS 2010 WOMEN’S INDIVIDUAL RESULTS
2010 WOMEN’S TEAM RESULTS DATE EVENT 9/3 Western Carolina 1. WCU 41 2. Winthrop 50 3. GWU 60
RESULT Open (2-mile) 3rd/6 4. UNCA 75 5. Mars Hill 124 6. Warren Wilson 173
DATE EVENT RESULT 9/25 Big South Preview Meet (5k) 3rd/6 1. VMI 19 4. UNCA 101 2. High Point 60 4. Winthrop 101 3. GWU 97 6. Presbyterian 168 DATE EVENT RESULT 10/1 Charlotte Invitational (5000m) 12th/25 1. Clemson 43 14. Ga. Southern 447 2. Virginia Tech 51 15. Char. So. 456 3. Wake Forest 66 16. Converse 478 4. Charlotte 110 17. Barton 501 5. VMI 198 18. SMC 504 6. Georgia State 203 19. Bel. Abbey 562 7. Col. of Char. 211 20. S.C. Beaufort 594 8. Milligan 225 21. Davidson 600 9. WCU 264 22. Lee-McRae 642 10. Wofford 346 23. Limestone 662 11. S. Carolina 360 24. N. Greenville 665 12. GWU 373 25. Presbyterian 702 13. ETSU 405
9/3 4. 6. 13. 14. 27. 28. 30. -----
Western Carolina Open 3rd/6 Ariel Zimmerman 12:00.50 Laura Scott 12:05.70 Elisabeth Sawyer 12:33.10 Elizabeth Glunk 12:38.20 Ivana Hughes 13:31.90 Leah Steinke 13:33.50 Cherish Richardson 14:00.20 Diana Palka DNS Lia Hudak DNS
9/17 10. 11. 20. 21. 23. 26.
UNC Invitational (5K) Ariel Zimmerman Elisabeth Sawyer Lia Hudak Ivana Hughes Diana Palka Cherish Richardson
9/25 7. 17. 20. 37. 41. 42. 43.
Big South Preview (5K) 3rd/6 Ariel Zimmerman 19:37.78 Laura Scott 20:18.03 Elisabeth Sawyer 20:22.24 Lia Hudak 21:35.68 Leah Steinke 21:55.30 Ivana Hughes 22:10.12 Diana Palka 22:11.91
DATE EVENT RESULT 10/15 Blue Ridge Open (5k) 18th/18 1. Duke 23 10. Co. Carolina 265 2. Virginia Tech 63 11. UNC-Wil. 279 3. Miss. State 127 12. Col. of Char. 319 4. Kentucky 191 13. Milligan 341 5. App. State 194 14. Campbell 349 6. High Point 198 15. WCU 356 7. VMI 207 16. Lynchburg 423 8. Furman 241 17. Lenoir-Rhyne 459 9. Georgia State 243 18. GWU 495 DATE EVENT RESULT 10/30 Big South Championships (5k) 6th/9 1. Liberty 39 6. GWU 189 2. Co. Carolina 64 7. Winthrop 202 3. VMI 71 8. Charleston So. 215 4. High Point 72 9. Radford 232 5. UNCA 141
N/A 19:39.85 20:04.91 21:54.58 21:54.77 22:11.30 22:36.04
10/1 55. 65. 76. 145. 152. 164. 188.
Charlotte Invitational Laura Scott Ariel Zimmerman Elisabeth Sawyer Leah Steinke Lia Hudak Diana Palka Cherish Richardson
12th/25 18:49.10 18:59.80 19:12.80 20:46.10 20:50.60 21:03.10 21:45.60
10/15 102. 119. 135. 137. 156. 163. 166.
Blue Ridge Open Laura Scott Elisabeth Sawyer Diana Palka Ariel Zimmerman Lia Hudak Cherish Richardson Ivana Hughes
18th/18 19:35.60 19:57.00 20:26.00 20:31.00 21:19.10 22:39.80 24:38.10
10/30 32. 42. 43. 44. 59. 66. 68. 69.
Big South Champ. Laura Scott Diana Palka Elisabeth Sawyer Ariel Zimmerman Lia Hudak Leah Steinke Cherish Richardson Ivana Hughes
6th/9 19:34.28 19:55.61 19:58.43 20:01.48 21:09.06 21:46.74 21:54.68 22:40.79
11/13 186. 201. 206. 228. 238.
NCAA Regionals Laura Scott Diana Palka Elisabeth Sawyer Ariel Zimmerman Lia Hudak
34/37 23:32.50 23:58.20 24:06.60 24:41.50 25:12.40
2010 NCAA DIVISION I ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Association Senior Laura Scott Big South All-Academic Team selection
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2011 CROSS COUNTRY MEN’S ROSTER
MEN’S ROSTER Name Trey Crook Drew Ford Jacob Hoyle Justin Loy Mike McClay Nick Rogers Josiah Stanton-Brooks Brandon Tipton Patrick Williams Jarrett Willis Jack Zimmerman
Ht. 5-11 6-4 5-8 5-11 5-11 6-2 5-11 5-9 5-11 5-11 6-2
GWU CROSS COUNTRY
Wt. 150 190 135 170 155 160 160 160 165 160 160
Class Hometown/Previous School So. Lexington, N.C./Central Davidson H.S. So. Wasilla, Alaska/Wasilla H.S. Sr. Gastonia, N.C./Highland School of Technology So. Burrington, N.H./Coe-Brown Northwood Academy So. Lawrenceville, Ga./Dacula H.S. Fr. Monroe, Ga./Athens Christian School Jr. McDonougha, Ga./Union Grove H.S. Sr. Kannapolis, N.C./Harvest Christian Academy R-Sr. Talladega, Ala./Hope Christian School So. Shelby, N.C./Crest H.S. R-Sr. Coral Springs, Fla./Stoneman Douglas H.S.
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RUNNIN’ BULLDOGS
Patrick Williams Redshirt-Senior * 5-11 * 165 lbs. Talladega, Ala. * Hope Christian School 2010 Cross Country: Ran a time of 20:14.70 at the season opening Western Carolina Open (5k) ... Competed at the UNC Invitational (5k), finishing with a time of 24:38.53 ... Recorded a time of 32:05.04 at the Big South Preview meet (8k) ... Posted a time of 30:37.60 at the Charlotte Invitational (8000m) ... Crossed the finish line at the Blue Ridge Open (8k) in Boone, N.C. with a time of 31:46.70. Before Gardner-Webb: Attended Hope Christian School in Talladega, Alabama ... Was on the swim team all four years.
Jack Zimmerman Redshirt-Senior * 6-2 * 160 lbs. Coral Springs, Fla. * Stoneman Douglas H.S. 2010 Cross Country: Recorded a time of 20:20.10 at the Western Carolina Open (5k). Before Gardner-Webb: Attended Stoneman Douglas High School in Coral Springs, Fla. ... Was a four-year letter winner in swimming ... Graduated with Honors.
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RUNNIN’ BULLDOGS
Jacob Hoyle Senior * 5-8 * 135 lbs. Gastonia, N.C. * Highland School of Technology 2010 Cross Country: Competed at the UNC Invitational (5k), finishing with a time of 24:46.79 ... Turned in a time of 31:05.78 at the Big South Preview (8k). 2009 Cross Country: Had a sixth-place finish in the Wofford Relays with teammate Josiah Stanton-Brooks with a time of 27:59 ... Turned in a time of 18:33.49 at the Western Carolina Open (5k) giving him a 28th-place finish overall ... Competed in the Big South Conference Preview Meet (8k) and finished with a time of 31:42.00 ... Turned in a time of 29:30.30 at the Charlotte Invitational (8k) ... Crossed the finish line with a time of 29:44.01 at the Blue Ridge Open (8k) ... Completed the season with a time of 31:30 at the 2009 Big South Conference Championship Meet (8k). 2008 Cross Country: Finished 33rd at the WCU Open after crossing the line in 19:09.14 ... Notched a 44th-place finish with a time of 18:15 at the Wolfpack Invitational ... Garnered 23rd place at the Catamount Classic, finishing in 29:21.24 ... Placed 20th after crossing in 30:08 at the Pirate XC Invitational ... Ran a time of 29:47 at the Blue Ridge Open ... Finished 53rd at the New Balance Big South Conference Championships, crossing in 30:30.31. Before Gardner-Webb: A three-year letterwinner in cross country and track and field at Highland School of Technology ... Qualified for the state meet in cross country his senior season ... Was a regional qualifier in track and field and cross country three times ... Two-time all-county selection ... Two-time winner of the mile ... Two-time Team MVP in cross country.
Brandon Tipton Senior * 5-9 * 160 lbs. Kannapolis, N.C. * Harvest Christian Academy 2010 Cross Country: Did not compete for Gardner-Webb.
GWU CROSS COUNTRY
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RUNNIN’ BULLDOGS
Joshia Stanton-Brooks Junior * 5-11 * 160 lbs. Seattle, Wash. * Union Grove H.S. (Ga.) 2010 Cross Country: Crossed the finish line with a time of 27:50.50 at the Charlotte Invitational (8000m) ... Turned in a time of 28:33.50 at the Blue Ridge Open (8k) ... Competed at the 2010 Big South Championship (8k), finishing with a time of 28:23.29 ... Was the second Runnin’ Bulldog to cross the finish line at the 2010 NCAA Southeast Regionals (10k) with his time of 35:48.60. 2009 Cross Country: Teamed up with teammate Jacob Hoyle for a sixth-place finish at the Wofford Relays with a time of 27:59 ... Took 10th-place at the Western Carolina Open (5k), crossing the finish line at 16:35.52 ... Turned in a time of 29:21.00 at the Big South Conference Preview Meet (8k), good enough to place 35th overall ... Competed in the Charlotte Invitational (8k), finishing with a time of 27:44.20 ... Posted a time of 29:26.34 at the Blue Ridge Open (8k) ... Finished in 45th-place at the 2009 Big South Conference Championship Meet (8k) with a time of 28:45. Before Gardner-Webb: Attended Union Grove High School in Georgia ... Was the two-time All-Region Champion in the 800 and 1600 in track and field ... Finished third in the state in the 800 meter run in 2009 ... Was the Great American Cross Country Invitational Champion in 2008 ... Was part of the 4x800 team that finished fourth at the state meet ... Was named All-Region as both a senior and a junior ... Was a state qualifier as both a senior and a junior ... Was the team MVP in both his senior and junior seasons ... Was the team captain of both the cross country and track and field teams as a senior ... Set personal best times of 1:55.14 in the 800, 16:25 in the 5k and 4:30 in the 1600 meter run.
Trey Crook Sophomore * 5-11 * 150 lbs. Lexington, N.C. * Central Davidson H.S. 2010 Cross Country: Recorded a time of 18:45.50 at the Western Carolina Open (5k) ... Placed 28th overall with a time of 23:42.30 at the UNC Invitational (5k) ... Competed at the Big South Preview (8K), finishing with a time of 30:28.67 ... Ran a time of 28:52.70 at the Charlotte Invitational (8000m) ... Posted a time of 29:50.77 at the 2010 Big South Championship meet (8k) ... Crossed the finish line with a time of 38:49.00 at the 2010 NCAA Southeast Regional meet (8k) in Louisville, Ky. Before Gardner-Webb: Was a multi-sport athlete at Central Davidson High School in Lexington, N.C. ... Was a two-time All-County performer in cross country and a two-time All-County performer in track & field ... Was also a two-time All-Conference selection in both cross country and track & field ... Tabbed All-Region in cross country his senior season ... Awarded the cross country Coaches Award his senior season ... Named the Team MVP for cross country as a junior ... Tabbed the Team MVP in track & field as a senior ... Was awarded the School Sportsmanship Award ... Helped guide his cross country team to become county champions, conference champions and state runnerups as a senior ... Was the cross country county individual champion as a senior ... Was part of the 4x800 meter relay team that finished as state runners up both his senior and junior years ... Set personal best times of 17:30 (5K), 4:48 (1-mile), 52.6 (400m) and 2:03 (800m) ... Also competed for the track & field teams as well as tennis and basketball ... Was a NCHSAA Scholar-Athlete.
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RUNNIN’ BULLDOGS
Drew Ford Sophomore * 6-4 * 190 lbs. Wasilla, Alaska * Wasilla H.S. 2010 Cross Country: Posted a time of 25:14.70 at the UNC Invitational (5k) ... Recorded a time of 31:00.40 at the Charlotte Invitational (8000m) ... Notched a time of 29:37.50 at the Blue Ridge Open (8k) in Boone, N.C. ... Turned in a time of 30:04.86 at the 2010 Big South Championship meet (8k) ... Wrapped up the season with a time of 40:15.80 at the 2010 NCAA Southeast Regional meet (10k) in Louisville, Ky. Before Gardner-Webb: Was a multi-sport athlete at Wasilla High School in Wasilla, Alaska ... Was the Team MVP his senior season ... Was a state qualifier and finished fourth overall at the Regionals meet as a senior ... Had a personal best time of 16:50 (5K) ... Was also a member of the basketball, soccer and track & field teams.
Justin Loy Sophomore * 5-11 * 170 lbs. Burrington, N.H. * Coe-Brown Northwood Acad. 2010 Cross Country: Ran in all seven meets as a true freshman ... Recorded a time of 18:28.10 at the Western Carolina Open (5k) ... Turned in a time of 24:08.57 at the UNC Invitational (5k) ... Posted a time of 30:31.34 at the Big South Preview (8k) ... Finished with a time of 29:41.00 at the Charlotte Invitational (8000m) ... Competed in the Blue Ridge Open (8k), finishing with a time of 29:42.00 ... Crossed the finish line with a time of 29:37.05 at the 2010 Big South Championship (8k) ... Turned in a time of 38:38.10 at the 2010 NCAA Southeast Regional meet (10k) in Louisville, Ky. Before Gardner-Webb: Lettered at Coe-Brown Northwood Academy in Burrington, New Hampshire ... Helped his cross country team to finish as state runner-ups his senior season ... Was named to the All-State Team for Indoor Track & Field as a senior ... Part of the 4x800 meter relay team that was state champions and set the state record his senior season ... Was a state qualifier in the 1500 meters, 1600 meters and the 3200 meters as a senior ... Set a personal best time of 17:30 (5K) as a senior ... Also has personal best times of 10:14 (2-mile), 4:48.20 (3000m), 4:41 (1-mile), 4:24.20 (1500m) and 2:06 (800m) ... Was a NHIAA Scholar-Athlete.
GWU CROSS COUNTRY
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RUNNIN’ BULLDOGS
Mike McClay Sophomore * 5-11 * 155 lbs. Lawrenceville, Ga. * Dacula H.S. 2010 Cross Country: Top runner for Gardner-Webb in all seven meets ... Finished third overall with a time of 15:56.00 at the Western Carolina Open (5k) ... Placed 16th overall at the UNC Invitational (5k) with a time of 21:52.59 ... Finished 30th at the Big South Preview (8k) with a time of 28:32.31 ... Turned in a time of 26:43.10 at the Charlotte Invitational (8000m) ... Recorded a time of 26:42.80 at the Blue Ridge Open (8k) ... Posted a time of 27:20.01 at the 2010 Big South Championship (8k) ... Led GWU at the 2010 NCAA Southeast Regionals (10k) with a time of 35:07.10. Before Gardner-Webb: Was a four-year letterwinner at Dacula High School in Lawrenceville, Ga. ... Was a three-time All-County honoree and a two-time All-Metro recipient ... Was a Team Georgia selection as a senior ... Turned in a personal best time of 15:31 (5K) his senior season ... Finished in the top-10 in the state of Georgia twice, including finishing in the top-four as a freshman ... Also finished in the top-10 individually at the 4A level as a sophomore and at the 5A level as a junior ...Was a Heisman High School winner ... Also was a member of the National English Honor Society and graduated with honors.
Jarrett Willis Sophomore * 5-11 * 160 lbs. Shelby, N.C. * Crest H.S. 2010 Cross Country: Posted a time of 18:39.70 at the Western Carolina Open (5k) ... Ran a time of 24:34.54 at the UNC Invitational (5k) ... Recorded a time of 32:01.18 at the Big South Preview (8K) ... Turned in a time of 29:45.90 at the Charlotte Invitational (8000m) ... Competed at the 2010 Big South Championship (8k), finishing with a time of 31:10.29. Before Gardner-Webb: Was a two-sport athlete at nearby Crest High School in Shelby, N.C. ... Was tabbed the Top-Male Runner three times ... Was a three-time All-Conference selection in both cross country and track & field ... Was twice tabbed All-County ... Was the County Champion in both cross country and track & field as a senior ... A two-time county champion in the 1 mile run ... Had a personal best time of 17:41 (5K) his senior year ... Was also a two-time All-Conference selection in wrestling ... Was the conference champion in wrestling his senior season.
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RUNNIN’ BULLDOGS
Nick Rogers Freshman * 6-2 * 160 lbs. Monroe, Ga. * Athens Christian School High School: Ran cross country and track at Athens Christian School (Athens, GA) ... Team Captain (track, cross country) as a junior and senior ... Three time state qualifier in the 5K ... Three-time state qualifier in the 800 m run ... Helped track & field team to a state championship as a senior ... Helped track & field team finish in 2nd place in the state with a 5th place effort in the 800 m run as a sophomore ... Regional champion in the 800 m as a junior ... Led cross country team to a 2nd place finish at state meet as a junior and senior ... Ran a personal best 5K of 17:26 as a senior ... 2011 USAA All-American Scholar.
GWU CROSS COUNTRY
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2010 MEN’S SEASON RESULTS 2010 MEN’S INDIVIDUAL RESULTS
2010 MEN’S TEAM RESULTS DATE EVENT 9/3 Western Carolina 1. WCU 39 2. Winthrop 62 3. Mars Hill 66
RESULT Open (5K) 6th/7 4. UNCA 94 5. Montreat 148 6. GWU 154 7. Warren Wilson 183
DATE EVENT RESULT 9/25 Big South Preview Meet (8k) 8th/8 1. High Point 38 5. Radford 140 2. VMI 48 4. Co. Carolina 175 3. Winthrop 71 7. Presbyterian 200 4. UNCA 98 8. GWU 204 DATE EVENT RESULT 10/1 Charlotte Invitational (8000m) 17th/22 1. Wake Forest 38 12. S.C. Beaufort 392 2. Virginia Tech 54 13. Wofford 418 3. VMI 121 14. SMC 429 4. Clemson 123 15. Char. So. 431 5. Charlotte 150 16. Bel. Abbey 468 6. WCU 158 17. GWU 482 7. Col. of Char. 198 18. Savannah St. 497 8. Georgia State 263 19. Presbyterian 514 9. ETSU 269 20. Barton 558 10. Milligan 298 21. Limestone 596 11. Lees-McRae 314 22. N. Greenville 649 DATE EVENT RESULT 10/15 Blue Ridge Open (8k) 18th/18 1. App. State 59 10. Lynchburg 266 2. High Point 63 10. WCU 266 3. Virginia Tech 108 12. Col. of Char. 309 4. Kentucky 143 13. Lees-McRae 391 5. Miss. State 160 14. Georgia State 410 6. VMI 177 15. Lenoir-Rhyne 423 7. Furman 188 16. Co. Carolina 431 8. Campbell 232 17. Radford 443 9. UNC-Wil. 247 18. GWU 529
9/3 3. 45. 46. 47. 49. 58. 59. 60. -----
Western Carolina Open 6th/7 Michael McClay 15:56.00 Justin Loy 18:28.10 Justin Cole 18:35.00 Jarrett Willis 18:39.70 Trey Crook 18:45.50 Patrick Williams 20:14.70 Paul Steinke 20:16.30 Jack Zimmerman 20:20.10 Jacob Hoyle DNS Drew Ford DNS
9/17 16. 28. 29. 31. 32. 33. 34. 37. 40.
UNC Invitational (5K) NA Michael McClay 21:52.59 Trey Crook 23:42.30 Justin Cole 23:49.78 Justin Loy 24:08.57 Jarrett Willis 24:34.54 Patrick Williams 24:38.53 Jacob Hoyle 24:46.79 Drew Ford 25:14.70 Paul Steinke 28:05.15
9/25 30. 49. 50. 53. 57. 59. 60.
Big South Preview (8K) 8th/8 Michael McClay 28:32.31 Trey Crook 30:28.67 Justin Loy 30:31.34 Jacob Hoyle 31:05.78 Justin Cole 31:36.42 Jarrett Willis 32:01.18 Patrick Williams 32:05.04
DATE EVENT RESULT 10/30 Big South Championships (8k) 9th/9 1. Liberty 33 6. UNCA 162 2. High Point 45 7. Co. Carolina 205 3. VMI 69 8. Charleston So. 209 4. Winthrop 134 9. GWU 247 5. Radford 153
10/1 67. 113. 139. 159. 161. 162. 171. 177.
Charlotte Invitational Michael McClay J. Stanton-Brooks Trey Crook Justin Loy Jarrett Willis Justin Cole Patrick Williams Drew Ford
17th/22 26:43.10 27:50.50 28:52.70 29:41.00 29:45.90 29:46.00 30:37.60 31:00.40
10/15 82. 137. 146. 147. 154. 156. 157.
Blue Ridge Open Michael McClay J. Stanton-Brooks Drew Ford Justin Loy Justin Cole Patrick Williams Paul Steinke
18th/18 26:42.80 28:33.50 29:37.50 29:42.00 30:53.10 31:46.70 32.56.40
10/30 36. 57 67. 69. 70. 72. 78. 80.
Big South Champ. Michael McClay J. Stanton-Brooks Justin Loy Trey Crook Justin Cole Drew Ford Jarrett Willis Paul Steinke
9th/9 27:20:01 28:23:29 29:37.05 29:50.77 29:51.05 30:04.86 31:10.29 33:18.37
11/13 189. 205. 223. 229. 230. 231.
NCAA Regionals Michael McClay J. Stanton-Brooks Justin Cole Justin Loy Trey Crook Drew Ford
34/34 35:07.10 35:48.60 37:52.80 38:38.10 38:49.00 40:15.80
Senior Paul Steinke Big South All-Academic Team selection
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GWU PRESIDENT
Dr. A. Frank Bonner Gardner-Webb University President Seventh Year Dr. A. Frank Bonner, in his seventh year as the president of Gardner-Webb University, took office on May 2, 2005, and was inaugurated on April 6, 2006. Bonner is no stranger to Gardner-Webb, having been a part of the University family since 1987. A native of Greenville, S.C., Bonner graduated from Furman University in 1969, has a M.A. degree from the University of Georgia and earned a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was a faculty member and Associate Dean at Anderson College in Anderson, S.C., prior to beginning his career in Boiling Springs as Vice President for Academic Affairs. In 1992, Bonner was promoted to provost and senior vice president at Gardner-Webb, a post he held until assuming his current role in 2005. After a comprehensive, national search for the university’s new president, chairman of the presidential search committee and the board of trustees, Frank Beam, said, “We came to the conclusion that we had the most qualified candidate right here at the university.” Bonner succeeded Dr. Frank Campbell, who served Gardner-Webb University as president from October, 2002 until June, 2005. Active in civic life and in the community, Bonner has served on the boards of the United Way, the YMCA, and Communities in Schools, and he serves on the Cleveland County Sports Commission. He is a past chairman of the Cleveland County Chamber, a past president of the Shelby Rotary Club, and a Sunday School teacher and deacon at First Baptist Church in Shelby. Bonner is also a retired Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. During Bonner’s time as provost, Gardner-Webb emerged as a vibrant institution for higher learning, officially moving from college to university in 1993. The institution’s academic reputation has steadily improved during Bonner’s time in Boiling Springs, with an outstanding faculty and consistently evolving curriculum. Bonner is married to the former Florence “Flossie” Black of Chester, S.C., also a graduate of Furman University. They are parents of two adult daughters and five grandchildren.
GWU CROSS COUNTRY
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GWU ATHLETICS ADMINISTRATION
Chuck Burch Vice President for Athletics 15th Year Gardner-Webb alumnus Chuck Burch is in his 15th year as Vice President for Athletics and his 30th year overall in athletics administration. The Charlotte, N.C., native spearheaded the Bulldogs move into Division I athletics, which resulted in Gardner-Webb’s addition to the Big South Conference as an associate member for football in 2001, and GWU’s move to the Big South as a full member – which became official on July 1, 2008. Burch oversees all athletic operations at Gardner-Webb, including management and supervision of athletic programs, facilities and budgets. During his career at GWU, Burch has overseen across-the-board improvements in facilities and the addition of five new sports since arriving in 1997. A sixth sport, men’s swimming was added in 2007-08. Burch is also responsible for continued improvements in the quality and quantity of Gardner-Webb’s athletics staff – with a number of fulltime positions created to assist and enhance the entire department. GWU athletics has seen a steady increase in academic performance since Burch’s arrival, and the department has posted a combined GPA above 3.0 in each of the last two academic years. Gardner-Webb’s final year in the Atlantic Sun Conference was fruitful, with several notable wins and the usual high number of strong academic performances by the Bulldogs’ student-athletes. GWU enjoyed its most successful athletics year as a Division I member in 2006-07. Gardner-Webb won its first Atlantic Sun Conference Academic Championship, unseating Belmont University for the title. The Bulldogs also finished third in the men’s and women’s combined sports standings – a very impressive effort in the race for the inaugural Bill Bibb Trophy. Gardner-Webb’s men’s soccer team captured the imagination of faces across Cleveland County during its run to the 2006 A-Sun Championship and the NCAA Tournament second round. National qualifiers in Track & Field, swimming and wrestling highlighted competitive success for the Runnin’ Bulldogs’ in 2006-2007. Burch, a graduate of Independence (N.C.) High in Charlotte, and former member of Gardner-Webb’s football team, spent 1991-1997 as Director of Athletics at Liberty (Va.) University, and was instrumental in a successful and well run department in Lynchburg as well. He also served Liberty as Associate Director of Athletics (1988-1990), Assistant Director of Athletics (19841988), Sports Information Director (1986-1988) and Assistant Director of Sports Information (1982-1984). After graduating from Gardner-Webb in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in Social Science, Burch, 52, earned his master’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University in 1982. His wife, Franki, holds a Ph.D. in Health Education from the University of Virginia, and currently serves as the Dean of the Graduate School as well as a professer in the Physical Education Wellness and Sports Studies Department. The couple has three children, Travis, a recent graduate of Furman University, Danielle, a senior at Brevard (N.C.) College and Amy (17).
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GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY
GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY Gardner-Webb University (GWU), located on 250 acres in Boiling Springs, N.C., is a private, four-year, NCAA Division I institution affiliated with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. GWU has been recognized as one of only 134 institutions in America on the John Templeton Foundation’s Honor Roll for Character-Building Colleges. GWU enrolls over 4,000 students from 33 states and 34 foreign countries in undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs. Small classes in a personal learning environment allow the university to feature a 15-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. With increased national exposure and attention given to the institution’s academic programs and character building opportunities, the enrollment has grown over 60 percent in the last 10 years. There are 45 major fields of study on the undergraduate level. Graduate programs such as the School of Divinity, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, and the Graduate School are gaining regional acclaim for numbers of students served and quality of programs exhibited. Gardner-Webb’s GOAL Program (Greater Opportunities for Adult Learners) operates on 17 satellite campuses around North Carolina for working adults who are seeking to complete their four-year degree at night. Recent expansion efforts also have created two new modern facilities for off-campus students - GWU at Statesville and GWU at Charlotte.
GWU CROSS COUNTRY
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GARDNER-WEBB ACADEMICS
ACADEMICS AT GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY Perhaps there is no greater time to observe the academic quality of Gardner-Webb University than right now. All of the necessary factors for academic excellence – faculty, students, resources, curriculum – are working in conjunction with one another to gain widespread acclaim from alumni, friends, trustees, the media and the community. Over 130 full-time faculty members comprise a group of educators at GWU being heralded as the "premiere class of instructors ever assembled at the University." Over 80 percent of the faculty hold a Ph.D. or equivalent, and many boast of well-documented activities in the business and professional worlds. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 15 to 1, Gardner-Webb is able to provide personal instruction to its students, who now number over 4,000, making Gardner-Webb the fifth-largest private institution in North Carolina. New technological features in our library enhance the learning experience for a higher quality student. The incoming freshman class this year averaged over 1020 on the SAT and a 3.5 GPA. UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS Accounting American Sign Language Art Athletic Training Biology Business Administration Chemistry Communications Computer Science Elementary Education (K-6)
English Finance French Health & Wellness History International Business Journalism Management Information Systems Mathematics
Medical Technology Middle School Education (6-9) Music Business Music Composition Music Education Music Performance Nursing Physical Education Physician Assistant Political Science
Psychology Religious Studies Sacred Music Social Science Sociology Spanish Sports Management Theater Arts
GRADUATE SCHOOL
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
M.A. in Mental Health Counselling M.A. in Elementary Education (K-6) M.A. in English M.A. in English Education (K-6) M.A. in Middle Grades Education (9-12) M.A. in Nursing M.A. in School Administration (K-12) M.A. in School Counseling M.A. in Sport Science & Pedagogy
MBA in Business Administration M.Acc. in Accounting I.MBA in International Business GOAL PROGRAMS Bachelor of Science in: Accounting Business Administration Criminal Justice Health Management Human Services Management Information Systems Nursing Religious Studies SCHOOL OF DIVINITY Master of Divinity (M.Div.) M.D M.Div. in Christian Education M.Div. in Church Music M.Div/MBA M.Div. in Missiology M.Div. in Pastoral Care and Counseling DOCTORAL DEGREES OFFERED Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)
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GWU ATHLETIC TRAINING An integral part of the entire Gardner-Webb University athletics program, the Athletic Training Program emphasizes the importance of wellness in the teams’ pursuit of success. Under the supervision of Kevin Jones, ATC, and the rest of the Athletic Training faculty and staff, athletic training students complete part of their clinical education with the University’s 21 varsity sports. Jones and his staff work toward the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. The athletic training students at GWU are fortunate to have a faculty and staff of nine certified athletic trainers and a cooperative intercollegiate athletics staff to enhance their learning experience. The clinical education that is conducted while serving the student-athletes at Gardner-Webb University allows for comprehensive medical care in a learning environment. The athletic training educational program recently completed its full accreditation by CAAHEP, marking an exciting moment in the program’s history. Athletic training students are able to pursue a B.S. in Athletic Training through the Department of Physical Education, Wellness and Sport Studies. Upon graduation, athletic training students must complete a three-part examination conducted by the National Athletic Trainer’s Association’s Board of Certification to become Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC). One of the most respected academic majors on campus, the GardnerWebb Athletic Training educational program boasts a growing enrollment and provides students with firstclass instruction and practical experience in their chosen field of study. Currently, Gardner-Webb graduates are working with NFL teams, colleges and universities, high schools and physical therapy clinics. After their academic careers at Gardner-Webb, many students also choose to seek graduate assistant positions at colleges and universities around the nation.
ATHLETIC TRAINING STAFF DIRECTORY Kevin Jones, MA, ATC Jon T. Mitchell, MA, ATC Heather Hartsell, MA, ATC Kat Ayotte, MA, ATC Stephenie Stark, MS, ATC Bill Harvard, MA, ATC, CSCS Mathea Hungerford, MS, ATC Daniele Albert, MS, ATC Justin Walker, MS, ATC Marcia Kennedy, ATC
GWU CROSS COUNTRY
Director of Athletic Training kjones@gardner-webb.edu Service Program Director jmitchell@gardner-webb.edu Educational Program Director hhartsell@gardner-webb.edu Assistant Athletic Trainer kayotte@gardner-webb.edu Assistant Athletic Trainer sstark@gardner-webb.edu Assistant Athletic Trainer wharvard@gardner-webb.edu Assistant Athletic Trainer mhungerford@gardner-webb.edu Assistant Athletic Trainer dalbert@gardner-webb.edu Assistant Athletic Trainer jwalker15@gardner-webb.edu Graduate Assistant mkennedy3@gardner-webb.edu
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GWU STRENGTH & CONDITIONING
GWU STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PHILOSOPHY In today’s world of collegiate athletics, the strength and conditioning program has become one of the most vital aspects in the development of the complete student-athlete. The mission and philosophy of the Gardner-Webb University Strength and Conditioning Program is based on several key elements of development. We are committed to: * Furthering the commitment to excellence * Enhancing athleticism * Development of: Strength, Power, SAQ (speed/agility/quickness), Mobility/Flexibility, Energy System Training, Mental Toughness * Building team unity and self discipline * Injury prevention training * Promoting proper nutrition along with rest and recovery * Developing a strong work ethic that the student-athlete takes with them in life after graduation When designing the Gardner-Webb Strength and Conditioning Program, the strength staff incorporates training the total body utilizing various proven training techniques. These techniques range from traditional lifting to training “outside the box”. In order to keep the athlete from adapting to the same training stimulus, causing a plateau effect, the program is changed every 4-6 weeks. The strength staff stays current in their profession in order to provide the best program for the student-athlete to improve their performance and each team receives a program that is designed to strengthen the movements involved in their particular sport. The strength staff works closely with the athletic training staff in the injury rehab process with the joint goal of getting the student-athlete back into competition. At the foundation of the Gardner-Webb University Strength Staff philosophy lays the desire to constantly improve the program for our student-athletes and athletic teams.
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BIG SOUTH CONFERENCE BIG SOUTH CONFERENCE Since its founding in 1983, the Big South Conference has matured into a competitive leader in college athletics, actively pursuing excellence on the field of play and in the classroom. The League’s growing presence as an NCAA Division I athletic conference is evident by athletic accomplishments on the national stage, innovative marketing and media partnerships, increased television packages, and quality athletic competition while intentionally fostering the academic, personal, social, athletic and leadership development of each student-athlete. This has evolved into the Conference’s mission of “Developing Leaders Through Athletics.” The Big South Conference was formed on August 21, 1983, when Charleston Southern (then Baptist College) Athletic Director Howard Bagwell and Augusta President George Christenberry began recruiting members into the Big South, receiving initial commitments from Augusta, Charleston Southern, Campbell, Coastal Carolina and Winthrop. One month later, Dr. Edward M. Singleton was selected as the League’s first Commissioner and continued to solicit new members. His efforts led to the additions of Armstrong State, Radford and UNC Asheville, giving the Big South more than the required six members to constitute an official conference. The Big South’s first year of competition was in the Fall of 1984, and in September 1986, the Big South Conference was granted full-fledged NCAA Division I status. During its infancy and prior to securing automatic bids to NCAA Championships, the Big South made early strides in earning at-large berths in several national postseason events, including volleyball, women’s basketball and women’s golf. In 1989, George F. “Buddy” Sasser replaced the retiring Dr. Singleton as Commissioner, and in 1990, the League received its first automatic bid – receiving an automatic qualifier to the NCAA Baseball Championship. Under Sasser’s seven years of leadership, the Conference implemented its public relations and compliance programs, and introduced its first-ever men’s basketball television package, featuring the Big South competing among some of the finest teams in the nation. In August 1996, Kyle B. Kallander replaced Sasser as the League’s third Commissioner, and in his 15 years at the helm of the Big South, Kallander has been instrumental in aggressively promoting the Conference to new heights. The Conference has enjoyed record levels in marketing revenue during the past several years, he has brought television coverage to Big South women’s basketball, baseball and softball for the first time in Conference history, as well as increased national television exposure to the League as a whole through aggressive and unique television packages. Under Kallander’s leadership, the Big South developed and initiated its first long-range strategic plan, re-affirming the League’s vision as a distinctive athletic Conference committed to the quality of institutional life through athletic competition. He also spearheaded the efforts to add football as a championship sport, which came to fruition in 2002, and oversaw the additions of men’s and women’s indoor track & field in 1997. The Conference’s 19th championship sport -- women’s lacrosse, will begin play in 2012-13 with seven members. At the same time, Kallander has solidified Conference membership, as an all-time high 11 member institutions comprise the 28-year League in 2011-12. Recent additions include High Point, Gardner-Webb and Presbyterian College, plus the return of charter member Campbell University this year. Kallander’s long range vision has also included technological advancements, as the Conference introduced its first live event video streaming in 2005 and has since expanded its video offerings to more than 700 events annually through a partnership with the member institutions, as well as the creation of several online and social media platforms. In the last 15 years alone, the Big South Conference has experienced monumental growth and success in nearly every sport. During this time, the Conference has had an individual National Champion six times, more than 240 All-Americans, has reached the “Sweet 16” in men’s soccer, women’s basketball and baseball, has received national Top 25 rankings in football, men’s soccer, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball, men’s outdoor track & field, and men’s golf, had an individual selected to play in the NCAA Singles Championship six times in addition to the first men’s tennis doubles at-large selection, had the first women’s golf program advance to the national finals, had the No. 1 ranked men’s golfer in the country, has had the nation’s top scoring men’s basketball team five consecutive years as well as the national men’s basketball scoring leader twice, received an at-large playoff berth in the Football Championship Subdivision in 2006, has had four NFL Draft picks, and had an institution finish fifth in the NCAA Men’s Golf Championships – the Conference’s highest-ever team finish in an NCAA event. In 2006-07, the Big South was the only Conference nationwide to have an at-large participant in the football playoffs (Coastal Carolina), a team in the Second Round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament (Winthrop) and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Baseball Regionals (Coastal Carolina). In fact, Coastal Carolina’s baseball program has been a No. 1 seed four out of the last seven years – including a national seed for the first time in 2010, while the Chanticleers’ FCS playoff berth in 2006 came in just the fifth-year of the Big South’s football existence. The 2009-10 season saw Liberty’s Sam Chelanga win two NCAA National Championships (cross country, 10,000-meter run), Coastal Carolina’s baseball team reach the Super Regionals for the second time in three years as well as being ranked No. 1 in the national RPI and as high as No. 3 in the national polls; and three women’s basketball teams reach the postseason for the first time in Conference history. Last season, Chelanga won two more NCAA National Championships (cross country, outdoor 5,000-meter run), the Big South had its first automatic bid recipient in football (Coastal Carolina), UNC Asheville reached the Second Round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, Coastal Carolina’s women’s golf team was the first in Conference history to advance to the NCAA Championship out of Regional play, and a League-record 18 baseball players were drafted in the 2011 MLB First-Year Player Draft. Several former Big South student-athletes have also reached national prominence in recent years. Coastal Carolina’s Amber Campbell made the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team – one of five former Big South athletes to compete in the Games; VMI’s Reggie Williams reached the NBA with the Golden State Warriors in 2010, UNC Asheville’s Ty Wigginton was named an American League All-Star in 2010, and Coastal Carolina’s Dustin Johnson has won four PGA Tour events since departing the Big South Conference in 2007 and tied for runner-up at the 2011 Open Championship. The Conference’s tagline, “Developing Leaders Through Athletics” was unveiled in 2008-09 in conjunction with the Conference’s 25th Anniversary. The League also honored its heritage with the Top 25 “Best of the Best” moments in League history from 1983-2008, with Liberty University’s 10-year women’s basketball championship run from 1996-2007 being crowned the No. 1 moment in the Big South’s first 25 years. The Conference’s on-field accomplishments have been duplicated in the classroom. Annually, more than 40 percent of Conference student-athletes are named to the Big South’s Presidential Honor Roll for maintaining a cumulative 3.0 grade-point average, and the League has had more than 95 Academic All-Americans in its 27 years of existence. Furthermore, the Big South has a record number of NCAA Public Recognition Awards for APR progress the last two years.
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THE OFFICIAL SITE OF GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS Gardner-Webb University and NeuLion ® began a partnership in 2006 that has already provided a tremendous boost – and one of the most advanced websites available within intercollegiate athletics. GWUSports.com ® is the official site of Gardner-Webb University athletics, and is in the process of a major redesign set for a September, 2010, launch date. NeuLion, one of the most respected names in the business, provides the same service for major universities, including the University of Nebraska, Duke University, Louisiana State University, University of Arkansas and University of Oregon.