THE RECORD Online

Summer/Fall 2003 Newsbriefs

Panthers Score Seventh in the Nation

Nine All-American honors and one regional coach of the year award is how the Greenville College track and field team wrapped up the 2003 season at the NCAA Division III outdoor national championship hosted by St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y.

Seven GC athletes competed in seven different events, including six men and one woman. This was the largest number of athletes in attendance at the NCAA national meet in school history.

Head coach Brian Patton received the regional coach of the year award for the Midwest region, one of eight from across the nation. The honor was even more meaningful for Patton, since it was the region’s coaches who voted for him.

“It was rewarding to see the seniors end their career on such a high note,” said Patton when asked about the outcome of the meet. “It was also very exciting to see everyone who competed earn AllAmerican honors.”

Back in May, the men’s track and field program successfully defended their National Christian College Athletic Association championship crown at Indiana Wesleyan University. The men have had an impressive four year run at the NCCAA competition. Since the 2000 season when they finished third, the Panthers have taken the national title the past three years.

Not to be outdone, the Lady Panthers brought home their share of awards. For the fifth consecutive year, the women’s cross country team earned “NCAA Academic All-American Team” status. To qualify, each player on the team’s roster had to have a cumulative grade point average of 3.1 or above (on a scale of 4.0). The Lady Panthers made the grade with a 3.50 G.P.A.
The 2003 season is one that is sure to go down as one of the most competitively prosperous years in athletic history.

Last updated: September 24, 2003