Willaim Penn Athletics News March 22 Pt 1
William Penn University Athletics
Burnett to Face Best After Qualifying for Trials
Huntington Beach, Calif.–Katie Burnett (Sr., Mesa, Ariz., Arizona) has climbed another rung towards her dream of being an Olympian as she recently qualified for the 2012 Olympic Trials.
The five-time All-American competed in the National Masters 20K Race Walk Championships on Sunday, March 13 and came away with a qualifying time of 1:44:37 (one hour, 44 minutes, 37 seconds), nearly three-and-a-half minutes faster than the standard of 1:48 (one hour and 48 minutes).
Burnett had the second-best time in the event, trailing only Canadian Rachel Seaman, who finished in a time of 1:34:22. The pair blew away the competition as the only walkers to break the two-hour barrier. The bronze finisher crossed the line in 2:12:44.
Although she owned the second-best time, Burnett actually received the first-place medal by competing in the Other/Open Division.
Her coach Tim Seaman (Rachel’s husband), a two-time American Olympian, won the men’s race with a time of 1:28:48. If she had been competing in the men’s division, Burnett would have placed fourth out of 13 walkers (only five men broke the two-hour mark).
The 2012 USA Olympic Trials will be held in Eugene, Ore. on a date yet to be determined.
Seven Players to Participate in Senior Classic
Oskaloosa–Over a handful of Statesmen football seniors will have one more chance to play under their coach as Victory Sports Network released the rosters for the 2011 NAIA Senior Classic.
Seven Penn players have accepted invitations to play in the 5th Annual Classic, which will be played in Salina, Kan. on Saturday, April 30. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m.
Penn Head Coach Todd Hafner was selected last week to lead the Americans squad and now a plethora of gold helmets with WP logos will join him on the sideline.
The group is highlighted by 2010 VSN All-Americans Steven Dawley (Sr., New Sharon, North Mahaska HS) on the offensive line and Dale Woods (Sr., Southaven, Miss., Northwest Mississippi CC) on the defensive line.
Wide receiver Bernard Luster (Sr., Corinth, Miss., Northeast Mississippi CC), defensive lineman Brandon Millbrooks (Sr., Olive Branch, Miss., Olive Branch HS), cornerback Terrance Harper (Sr., Miami, Fla., Edgewater HS), linebacker Chris Ruff (Sr., Highland Park, Mich., Grand Rapids CC), and safety Javaras Thomas (Sr., Miami, Fla., Miami Beach Sr. HS) will also participate in the Classic.
The game will pit nearly 120 players from various NAIA institutions in a selection of some of the top graduating talent from the NAIA level.
“I am extremely excited to see the talent we have assembled for this game come together next month,” Victory Sports Network Owner and Founder Jason Dannelly said. “Each year I am more and more amazed by some of the players we get to participate in this game.”
