Lewis-Clark State College junior Kelsey Klettke was named NAIA National Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Week for Oct. 17-23, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics announced.
The Prairie High School graduate continues to make history this season, becoming the first LCSC cross country runner to bring home national runner of the week honors.
“It’s great for her, but more than anything great for program,” coach Mike Collins told lcsc.edu/athletics. “Recognition at the national level means that we are doing great things here. There should be flattery for her and her teammates, because she needs their support to succeed.”
The award was based on Klettke’s record-setting performance at the Warrior Invite held Oct. 23 at Hells Gate State Park near the LCSC campus in Lewiston, Idaho.
She completed the 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) course in 17 minutes, 23 seconds, recording a new personal best and setting a school record.
“I’ve been competing for the better part of my life, and I’ve been through good and bad times and the hard work is finally paying off,” Klettke said. “It just feels really good.”
Despite the satisfaction of the award, Klettke is motivated by greater aspirations.
“I want more than just a runner of the week award; I want a (national) title for myself and for my team,” she said. “That is something that has always driven me.”
Klettke dominated the race, winning by 31 seconds, marking her fastest time in the Frontier Conference this year She now owns the three fastest times in school history.
“(Klettke) is extremely driven,” Collins said. “Her freshman year, she didn’t qualify for our national team. She has overcome injuries through willpower, and makes sacrifices every day in all aspects of her life to be able to train at a level that allows her to compete so well.”
Klettke and the Warriors will compete Friday in the Frontier Conference Championships in Great Falls, Mont.
The NAIA National Championships on Nov. 20 will be held for the second consecutive year at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
Northwest’s Frasier honored by CCC
Northwest University freshman forward Kelsey Frasier has been named Cascade Conference Offensive Player of the Week for women’s soccer.
The Hudson’s Bay High School graduate recorded a hat trick — scoring all three of her goals in a span of 1 minute, 31 seconds — and added an assist during the Eagles’ 5-0 victory over Northwest Christian on Friday.
After notching an assist on Jordyn Wilson’s goal in the frist half, Fraiser scored at 1:59, 2:59 and 3:30 into the second half.
“Kelsey’s goals were a result of hard work and her willingness to take people on,” NU coach Erin Redwine told northwestu.edu/athletics.
Frasier was the Eagles’ scoring leader for the season, with eight goals and two assists for 18 points.
NU finished the season 7-4-4, including 4-3-2 in CCC matches.
Meler, Miramontes honored by Clark
Clark College has named Holly Meler and Ben Miramontes its Athletes of the Month for September. Both athletes earned praise from coaches for their leadership on and off the field.
A graduate of Glencoe High School in Hillsboro, Ore., sophmore Ben Miramontes is one of the Clark College men’s soccer team captains. He is described as “an ultimate student-athlete” with a grade-point average of 3.40.
Miramontes was an all-star player last year and has continued his strong performance this year, Clark coach Biniam Afenegus said.
“Ben is a big reason that the men’s team is off to a great start,” Afenegus said. “Ben is very well respected by his teammates, as he always gives 110 percent effort in games and practice. He personifies maximum effort.”
The Penguins are 9-2-4, and have clinched a playoff spot.
Clark freshman Meler is a graduate of Columbia River High School. She placed second overall in her second collegiate meet, a race with more than 120 runners. She also placed fourth in a race against student-athletes from six four-year universities.
“Holly is poised to run for the individual NWAACC title this November,” Clark coach Ryan Hovde said. “Holly’s mental and physical toughness puts her in the position to become one of Clark College’s best distance runners of all-time.”
The Student Athlete of the Month program recognizes both the academic and athletic achievements of Clark’s student-athletes. Two recipients are selected each month by a committee that includes Clark College coaches, athletic department personnel, and fellow students.
Each honoree receives a jacket with his or her name engraved on it. The jackets are provided by Les Schwab through its support of the “Student Athlete of the Month” program, in partnership with Clark’s Penguin Athletic Club and the Clark College Foundation.
Thomas finishes 22nd at WCC meet
Gonzaga University redshirt freshman Emily Thomas finished 22nd at the West Coast Conference cross country championships Saturday in Belmont, Calif., as the Bulldogs finished fifth.
The top four teams advance to the NCAA West Regional. Gonzaga finished three points behind Santa Clara, with all five scoring runners finishing between 20th and 30th.
Thomas, a Camas High School graduate, ran the 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) course in 22 minutes, 17 seconds. She was Gonzaga’s second finisher.
“Emily ran a strong race for her first time,” coach Pat Tyson told gozags.com. “She got some valuable experience which can only help her next year.”
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