The Seattle University track and field team set 22 school records and won three individual Great West Conference titles during the 2012 season, two of the accomplishments celebrated during the squad's annual end-of-year banquet held on campus May 24.
Two of the conference champions were named Most Valuable Athlete by the coaching staff. Erik Barkhaus (Whitefish Bay, Wis.) won the male award after winning the 10,000 meter run at the GWC Outdoor Championships, finishing second in both the 3000 meter run and 5000 meter run at the conference indoor championships, and setting four new school records during the season. The female most valuable athlete award was given to Cali Cull (Marysville, Wash.), who won the triple jump at the conference indoor meet and set the school record in the triple jump at the outdoor championships.
The student-athletes on the team voted for the male and female Most Inspirational awards, selecting Meeghan Bergmann (Portland, Ore.) and Zach Stanfield (Adna, Wash.). Bergmann not only contributed to the success of the squad on the track, but also in the community by organizing a track clinic for the students at Bailey Gatzert Elementary School. Stanfield was part of four record-setting performances during the outdoor track and field season and also anchored the conference-winning 4x100 meter relay at the GWC Outdoor Championships.
The coaches also took the opportunity during the banquet to recognize the seniors on the track and field team: Chris Auld (Eugene, Ore.), Dan Auld (Eugene, Ore.), Sarah Bolce (Sacramento, Calif.), Elena Collins (Eugene, Ore.), Ariel Johnson (Moscow, Idaho), and Alyssa Lout (Tempe, Ariz.). Rachel Vranizan (Portland, Ore.) was also recognized for her work as a student manager over the past three years.
The captains for the 2012-13 track season were announced: Bo Anderson (Tacoma, Wash.), Bergmann, Lauren Hammerle (Seattle, Wash.), Matthew McClement (Bellingham, Wash.), and Stanfield.
The Seattle University track and field team will move into the Western Athletic Conference beginning in 2012-13.