Berends, Distance Medley Relay Earn All-American Honors
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GENEVA, Ohio – The Taylor women's track and field team capped off the NAIA Indoor National Championships with a pair of outstanding performances as five Trojans earned All-American honors on the final day of the championships.
Members of the Taylor distance medley relay team set a goal to become All-Americans back in November when the runners finished their cross country season. On Saturday Elaine Schmeltz, Courtney Thompson, Sarina Oleson, and Alex Berends achieved their goal; finishing fifth to claim All-American honors on the final day of the NAIA Indoor track and field National Championships.
All four members of the TU DMR team performed at a high level in their respective legs of the race as the Trojans posted a time of 12:11.32 en route to a fifth place finish. Oklahoma Baptist claimed the DMR national title with a time of 11:49.51.
Berends, who ran the anchor (mile) leg for the distance medley relay team, had every reason to be a little tired when it was her turn to take the baton. The freshman had finished a stellar performance in the 3,000-meter run less than an hour before, completing the race in 10:09.55 to claim eighth place and earn All-American honors. Berends, who earned All-American honors at the NAIA Cross Country championships in the fall, is now a 3-time All American with her sights set for more accolades during the Trojans' outdoor track and field season this spring.
