December 10, 2009

Four RedStorm cross country members recognized as NAIA Scholar Athletes

Rio Grande --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm men's and women's cross country teams recently finished up an outstanding 2009 season with the men's team finishing 21^st in the nation at the NAIA National Championships while the women's teams was represented by senior Stacey Arnett and sophomore Kayla Renner.

The awards however do not end there. Four members of the program earned NAIA Scholar Athlete honors for the fall season. Senior Kyle Hively (Vinton, OH) was the lone RedStorm men's representative while three members of the women's team earned the prestigious academic honor. 

The RedStorm women to earn the honor were Arnett, juniors Cassie Mattia (West Chester, OH) and Tracy Newcomer (Findlay, OH).

"We're extremely proud of all four of them," said Rio Grande head coach Bob Willey. "It's very exciting to have our student-athletes earn this honor."

"This is what it's all about," Willey added. "We aim for this honor more than we do them earning All-American in competition."

"All four of these young people are very deserving of this honor. They put the time in and dedicate themselves to studying and competing," Willey said. "It's a great tribute to the type of student/athletes that they are."

Hively is majoring in Information Technology. He is the son of Danny & Ruth Hively.

Arnett, who also competed at the national meet, is a native of Laurelville, OH. She is majoring in Respiratory Therapy and is the daughter of Greg & Cheryl Arnett.

Mattia really burst on the scene this year as a distance runner after coming to Rio Grande as a basketball player and also spending time as a sprinter on the track team. Mattia is the daughter of Anthony & Michelle Mattia. She is majoring in Mass Communications.

Newcomer fell victim to injury this season as far as competing is concerned, but proved her excellence in the classroom by attaining this honor. Newcomer is majoring in Early Childhood Education and is the daughter of Jeff & Nancy Newcomer.

NAIA Scholar-Athletes are nominated by each institution's head coach. A student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and have achieved junior academic status to qualify.