BARTLESVILLE – The 2008 Cross Country season wrapped up earlier this month in Kenosha, Wis., as senior Joni Shellenberger took part in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics National meet.
At the event held on Nov. 22, the lone Eagle runner finished with a solid time of 21:03. Shellenberger qualified for the national meet during the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference event on Nov. 1 in Lawrence, Kan., with a time of 20:38, giving her a sixth place finish.
The senior was also one of the 12 runners representing Oklahoma Wesleyan on Nov. 15, at the National Christian College Athletic Association nationals in Cedarville, Ohio.
It was a tough day for all the runners involved in the NCCAA nationals, as they ran in winds at approximately 25 miles per hour sustained, with a wintery mix precipitation.
In the men’s 8K race, sophomore David Rannabargar had the best time from Oklahoma Wesleyan with a time of 28:58, giving him a 45th place finish.
As a team, the Eagle men finished in 15th place out of 23 schools.
Other men participation in the Christian nationals were Kirk Taylor (31:09), Danny James (31:23), Devan Arrendondo (31:59), Jarod LaBarge (33:07) and Rich Brown (34:53).
Shellenberger was the top Oklahoma Wesleyan finisher on the cold day, crossing the line with a time of 21:07 in the women’s 5K. Sunshine Wharton and Micah Jenner finished just nine seconds form each other at 22:22 and 22:31 respectively.
Other finishers for the 15th place women’s team were Lisa Lord (23:48), Janete Young (24:22), Chelsea Blain (24:35) and Ali Audrey (25:01).
However, what is more impressive than what these student-athletes do on the Cross Country course, is what they do in the classroom.
To qualify to become a NAIA Scholar Athlete, student-athletes must have an overall grade point average of 3.5 or higher, and a junior or senior classification. This season, Ardery, Shellenberger, Brown, Taylor and Nate Rusk were all given the honor of Scholar Athlete for the NAIA.
Also receiving the same honor at the NCCAA level were Sunshine Wharton and the five before mentioned.
Missing the MCAC title by just one second in Lawrence, Kan., Rannabargar was awarded a spot on the first team All-MCAC. Joining Rannabargar with conference honors was Kirk Taylor and Danny James on the second team.
For her efforts at the meet, Shellenberger was put on the first team All-MCAC on the women’s side, while Wharton and Jenner was named to the second team.
All Oklahoma Wesleyan runners had a spectacular season, as many of them now prepare for the upcoming Track and Field season in the Spring