Indiana Wesleyan University Wildcats are the only athletic department to have all six fall programs participating in their respected NAIA National Championships.
“It speaks to the athletic excellence of our department, and we are excited to watch them represent Indiana Wesleyan on the national stage,” sports information director David Kulk said.
This marks the third straight year of this accomplishment for the university.
“Our fall sports have had incredible success the last few years, and it creates inspiration to the other teams that follow throughout the school year,” athletic director Deane Webb said.
No. 6 Men’s and No. 13 Women’s Cross Country competed in the NAIA National Championship race in Columbia, MO.
The men’s team finished 5th overall. Eli Fullerton led the Wildcats with an All-American finish and a school record in the 8K. The women’s team finished 10th overall. Addi Dewey ran a program record 6K and received All-American honors.
“As cliché as it may seem to say, success is a byproduct of both the work and the focus of our programs,” Webb said. “Student-athletes, coaches and athletic trainers have intentionally worked to maximize their God-given gifts and they give the glory back to God as they focus on Him.”
No. 3 Volleyball defeated Talladega College in the Opening Round match 3-0. The Wildcats will head to Sioux City, IA to begin their run to defend their National title.
“Athletic success is never guaranteed, regardless of what happened in the previous season or with other teams around you,” Webb said. “[IWU has] incredible consistency across six different teams.”
No. 3 Football earned a bye and home-field advantage. The Wildcats will face off against No. 19 Southwestern College from Kansas.
“God is moving in and through our department and we are blessed,” Webb said. “I was blessed to watch 14 members of our football team get baptized. There have been many stories of student-athletes coming to know Christ this year. We are both humbled by and thankful for all that God is doing.”
No. 7 Men’s and No. 16 Women’s Soccer both received a First Round bye and both won their Second Round game to advance to the Round of 16 in Wichita, KS and Pensacola, FL, respectively. Women’s soccer won 1-0 on a goal late in the second half. Men’s soccer won 3-0, with one goal in the first half and two goals in the second half.
“We will praise God for the results that happen both in and out of competition,” Webb said.
Four of the six teams are still competing for the Red Banner. Volleyball will take the court Dec. 4 at 5:30 pm. Football will take the field Nov. 30 at noon. Men’s Soccer will take the field Dec. 3 at 2:00 pm. Women’s Soccer will take the field Dec. 2, with the time announced at a later date.
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