Central’s Fairley honored by USTFCCA

Central Dutch Athletics

PELLA — Senior Mark Fairley (Dubuque), an All-American steeplechaser, added another honor to his resume Wednesday when he was named the NCAA Division III National Athlete of the Week by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

Fairley won the annual Dutch Invitational, completing the 6,000-meter cross country course in 19 minutes, 59 seconds. Fairley crossed the finish line 42 seconds ahead of the closest competitor.

The two-time Dutch Invitational also captured the Running of the Cows event hosted by Carleton College (Minn.) last season.

Central turns its attention towards the St. Olaf Invitational in Northfield, Minn. The invitational serves as a preview for the NCAA Division III Central Regional November 11.