Lady Cougars Represent MVNU at NAIA Indoor Track Nationals

BROOKINGS, SD. - The Mount Vernon Nazarene University Women's Track and Field team competed at the 43rd annual Women's Indoor Track & Field National Championship. The event took place March 2-4 at the Sanford Jackrabbit Athletic Complex.

Performers

The relay of Ashley Burgess, Jocelyn Dornbirer, Lyssi Snouffer and Ellyn Coe competed in the 4x800 meter relay prelims on March 2nd. The group put up a valiant effort and were able to place 17th with a time of 9:39.28. The quartet finished the season in a historic way, becoming the first ever Women's 4x800m relay in program history to make it to nationals.

Brooke Holloway competed in the Pole Vault finals on March 3rd. Holloway had a strong performance, finishing in 23rd place overall and clearing a height of 3.42m. The freshman still has many good years ahead of her and this is just the beginning of the young Lady Cougars' accomplishments.

Coach Gallion's Thoughts

"As I reflect on this indoor champion meet, I am a very proud and blessed coach. Our ladies competed fiercely and handled themselves with grace. We were able to see what it takes to become an All-American and that will surely drive our training and energy into the outdoor season. The 4x8 team of Ashley, Jocie, Lyssi, and Elly represented a milestone for our program as the first 4x8 qualifiers and the first women's A-standard relay and they did not disappoint. While we may not have run the time we desired, their response this next season will be the gage of what we have learned and how that can fuel the future. Proud of their efforts.

Brooke showed massive maturity in a stacked pole vault field. As a freshman competing on the biggest stage against 31 other competitors, her composure shined through. There was adversity with so many athletes competing, but she went about her business, as she should, and we just didn't get the height we desired. However, I'm confident she will bounce back and we will be back. Ultimately, I'm proud of the way these ladies uplifted one another and represented Christ in their competition. Let's continue to strive to love one another more and serve Christ well. Go Cougars!"

Upcoming Events

The Lady Cougars will begin the 2023 Outdoor season on March 17, competing at the Blizzard Buster hosted by Miami University.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,000 students from 25 states and 11 foreign countries.