Men's Cross Country Hands Out Three Awards
April 26, 2012
Compliments of Allen Earl PhotographyHARROGATE, TN -- The Lincoln Memorial University men's and women's cross country teams put the 2011-12 season in the books last night, as head coach Jeremy Donahue handed out six awards at the LMU Athletics Banquet, which honors the season that was in Railsplitter athletics.
On the men's side, the Railsplitters capped a strong season with tw0 top-3 finishes and a sixth-place finish in the South Atlantic Conference Championship. LMU notched an 18th place run in the NCAA Southeast Regional.
Coach Donahue dished out three awards on the men's side, beginning with the Most Improved Runner, which went to freshman Brandon Ward. Donahue commented that "if he believes in himself as much as the team does, he will continue to have success."
The next award went to Shane Curtsinger, as he was handed the Railsplitter Award, which is voted on by the team in honor of the player that most clearly represents the characteristics valued by the program. Curtsinger battled anemia and mono this year while remaining as Donahue called him, "the vocal leader of the team".
The Most Valuable Runner Award went to senior Derrick Lindsay, who has been the number one runner for LMU for the past three seasons. Donahue commented that LMU will deeply "miss his consistency in the races next season". Lindsay capped a stellar career with an All-SAC First Team nod after finishing in sixth in the SAC Championship with an 8k time of 27:05.3.
On the women's side, the Lady Railsplitters finished a successful season with a trio of top-3 finishes, concluding the year with a sixth-place finish at the SAC Championship and a 19th place run at the NCAA Southeast Regional.
Amber Stoerp was the recipient of a pair of awards for LMU as she was named the Most Improved Runner along with garnering the Railsplitter Award. Donahue stated, "Since walking on her freshman year, she's done nothing but improve." Her 13th place finish in the SAC Championship earned her an All-SAC Second Team nod this year.
The Most Valuable Runner Award went to Sofia Lopez Mimendi. The Mexico City, Mexico native earned All-SAC First Team honors after finishing third in the SAC Championship. She finished a stellar season with a 17th place finish in the NCAA Southeast Regional, placing her on the USTFCCCA All-Region Team.
Coach Jeremy Donahue completed the evening by thanking his three seniors among the two rosters. Derrick Lindsay, Fiona Reinecke and Caroline Chadwell were commended for their hard work as they competed in their final season at LMU. The Railsplitters and Lady Railsplitters will now begin preparation for the 2012-13 season.
