L-R- Garrett Kraal, Christian Hackney, Bailey Dell, Dr. Jer Pratton, Tj Wright, Rosa Schmidt, NCU Asst. AD Sarah Freeman, Dr. Heike McNeil
Five CCC Student Athletes Receive Degree at Track and Field Championships
LA GRANDE, Ore. - Many spring sport student athletes in their final year of school and competition are faced with the difficult decision of whether to take part in commencement on their campus or participate in post season athletic competition. Both represent the fulfillment of lifelong dreams in academics and athletics.
For five student athletes from Northwest Christian the decision to take part in the Cascade Collegiate Conference Track/Field Championships didn't mean that they would necessarily have to miss out on the pomp and circumstance of their college graduation.
"This has become a very special tradition for us," stated CCC Commissioner Rob Cashell. "It is a wonderful option for our spring sport student athletes and I have been told very meaningful for them to be able to compete, as well as, be recognized for achieving their degree."
The five competitors took part in a "commencement ceremony" during the CCC championships on Saturday May 12th which was co-hosted by Eastern Oregon University and The College of Idaho in Hermiston, Oregon.. The ceremony included Dr. Jer Pratton who is the retired Superintendent of Schools in Hermiston and is a member of the Board of Trustees fro Eastern Oregon University. Dr. Pratton bestow the graduates with their diplomas along with Northwest Christian head cross country/ asst. Track coach Dr. Heike McNeil. Dr. McNeil, along with coaching, is a member of the teaching Faculty at NCU. She has her doctorate from the U of O in chemistry.
Northwest Christian University Graduates
- Bailey Dell graduated with her degree in Exercise Science The native of La Salle, Ontario, Canada is the daughter of Scott and Paula Dell. Dell has been a member of the Beacon track and field team the past three years. Bailey is a two-time academic all-conference honoree. She is also the 2016, 2017 and 2018 CCC Champion in the Javelin and a two time NAIA Performance All-American.
- Christian Hackney is the son of Richard and Cristeta Hackney and hails from La Salle, Ontario, Canada. A two-time All-Conference performer and NAIA All-American, Hackney graduated with a degree in Exercise Science after three years with the Beacons.
- Garrett Kraal from Kennewick, Washington is the son of Dave and Kim Kraal and received his degree in Exercise Science. A member of the NCU Track and Field team the past four years Garrett is a 6 time Academic All-Conference winner as well as a Four Time NAIA/Daktronics Scholar-Athlete. Kraal is the 2017 5000 meter champion and an NAIA performance All-American. In this years meet he placed 2nd in the 1500 meter race and 3rd in the 5k earning two more All-CCC honors.
- A six time Academic All-Conference honoree, as well as, a four time NAIA-Daktronics Scholar-Athlete
Rosa Schmidt graduated with her degree in Teacher Education. The native of Nome, Alaska is the daughter of Ric and Lynette Schmidt. Schmidt is a five time All-Conference performer and a two time NAIA performance All-American
-Tj Wright, from Eugene, Oregon
is the son of John and Trina Wright and earned his degree in Exercise Science. Wright is a six time Academic All-Conference honoree and a 2016 All-Conference performer and NAIA All-American. In the 2018 meet Wright placed 2nd in the 3000 meter steeplechase earning All-CCC accolades.