Liz Thierfelder and Lucy Schmitz at the 2016 Athletic Awards Ceremony
The 2015-16 year brought numerous firsts and program records for the Cross Country/Track & Field programs. The cross country team started in the fall with strong performances throughout the season at invitationals highlighted by top ten finishes awarded to Elizabeth Labun and a women’s team finish of 3rd at Conference Carolinas Championships. The young men’s program developed over the course of the season to improve two places at the Conference Championships finishing 7th. Following the season finale at the NCAA Southeast Regional Lucy Schmitz and Elizabeth Labun were recognized for their performances in the classroom and on the cross country course as members of NCAA Division II All-Academic Cross Country Team.
Bri Crisci running hard at track practice.
The Track & Field program set the tone early in December setting multiple records at the College Kickoff Classic. The men’s team established six program records and Connor Buhrmeister earned Conference Carolinas Runner of the week. On the women’s side five records were set, with Liz Thierfelder and Lucy Schmitz earning Runner of the week honors. Schmitz earned the honor two weeks in a row for her performances. At the Conference Indoor Championships Joe Thierfelder earned first team honors for the men, and Liz Thierfelder and Bri Crisci received recognition on the women’s team. The records continued to fall during the outdoor season. The Crusaders broke three men’s and seven women’s records through the end of the invitational season. Belmont Abbey runners Liz Thierfelder, Joe Thierfelder and Zach Melvin earned Conference Athlete of the Weeks awards for their strong performances. The teams will be looking forward to finishing the year impressively at the Conference Carolinas Outdoor Championships April 29th & 30th.
