Baker & McKown Named as NSAA Athletes of the Week
BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Star Athletic Association announced its first edition of the Women's and Men's Indoor Track & Field Athletes of the Week on Tuesday. Wade Baker was selected as the Field Athlete of the Week and Eliza McKown was selected as the Track Athlete of the Week.
"I was extremely excited to see Wade qualify for his third national championship in the weight throw," Head Coach Janna Langrell stated. "We are excited to see what he is going to accomplish as the season progresses."
Wade Baker (SR/Chewelah, WA) finished as the top NAIA place thrower in the Moco Mercer Opener, hosted by NCAA Division III University of Dubuque (Iowa) over the weekend. Baker hit the NAIA 'A' automatic throwing mark in the weight thrown, throwing 17.48 meters to take 2nd place. His weight throw mark currently ranks 16th in the NAIA. Baker also added an 8th place finish in the shot put with a mark of 14.09 meters.
"It is a huge honor to be the recipient of the North Star Athlete of the week. The support from my teammates, coaches, and community continues to be a driving force for my final collegiate season," Baker said. "I look forward to what the future holds, and I am excited for the season ahead."
Langrell had this to say about McKown being named as athlete of the week: "Eliza continues to surprise me. She shattered our previous 600m school record by nine seconds. It was exciting to watch a race in her first ever 600 and I think she's only going to get faster from here. I'm proud of the work she has been putting in."
Eliza McKown (SO/Orono, MN) recorded a new Waldorf school record in the 600 meter run at the Moco Mercer Opener. She ran a time of 1 minute, 40.87 seconds to take first place. McKown is currently leading the NSAA in the women's 600 meter this season. McKown was also apart of the 4x400 meter relay team, consisting of Catherine Clark-Ashford, Brandi Peck, and Marissa O'Connor, and finished in 5th place with a time of 4 minutes, 20.34 seconds.
"I am honored to be named NSAA athlete of the week. It has been a fun start to the indoor season. I am blessed to have teammates who push me to better myself each day," McKown added. "More than blessed to have a coach who believes and pushes my confidence in doing what I love. I am excited to see what else God has in store for me this season."
The Waldorf men's and women's track & field teams will be back in action this weekend at Mankato State University.