GVSU's Graney Named National Women’s Track "Athlete of the Year" by USTFCCCA

Release courtesy of Tom Lewis, U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, Communications Manager

NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced on Wednesday the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field National Athletes of the Year as selected by the nation’s coaches. Western State’s Tyler Pennel, Abilene Christian’s Nick Jones, Grand Valley State’s Betsy Graney, and Central Missouri’s Lindsay Lettow earned the plaudits for the 2012 season.

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Graney a s enior from Harper Woods, Mich., won the steeplechase at the NCAA Championships and placed sixth in the 5000 meters, helping the Lakers to a national team title. She reset the NCAA Division II record books earlier this season by running the fastest time in history in the steeplechase at 9:53.85 at the Payton Jordan Cardinal Invitational. She also recorded the second-fastest time of the 2012 season in the 5000 Meters of 15:56.85. Graney won the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title in the 5000 meters in meet-record time.

Past Winners:
2012: Betsy Graney, Grand Valley State
2011: Shannon Gagne, New Haven
2010: Jessica Pixler, Seattle Pacific
2009: Ashley Puga, Northwest Nazarene
2008: Kirby Blackley, Findlay
2007: Mandy Zemba, Grand Valley State
2006: Mandy Zemba, Grand Valley State