SEWARD, Neb. – Another school record-breaking performance in the racewalk has resulted in Concordia University Track & Field junior Lauren Dawson being recognized as the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Women’s Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week, as announced on Wednesday (April 19). Dawson has earned the conference weekly award for the first time in her career. During the 2022-23 indoor and outdoor seasons, Bulldog athletes have combined for 10 GPAC athlete of the week awards.
A native of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Dawson battled cold and windy conditions at the Concordia Invite (April 15) and clocked a new personal best and school record time of 28:34.84 in the 5,000-meter racewalk. That time represents an NAIA ‘B’ standard and places Dawson atop the GPAC and at No. 9 on the national leaderboard. The 2023 GPAC indoor champion in the 3,000-meter racewalk, Dawson is aiming to reach the national champions for the first time in her career. A Secondary Education major, Dawson has been named an NAIA Scholar-Athlete for both cross country and track.
The Bulldogs are slated to return to action this week at the Jim Dutcher Memorial Classic (April 20-22) hosted by Doane.
2022-23 GPAC Athletes of the Week
April 19 – Lauren Dawson (Track)
April 12 – Adrianna Rodencal (Track); Zach Zohner (Field)
April 5 – Jordan Koepke (Track)
March 29 – Rylee Haecker (Track)
Feb. 15 – Josie Puelz (Field); Adrianna Rodencal (Track)
Feb. 8 – Calvin Rohde (Track)
Feb. 1 – Calvin Rohde (Track)
Dec. 14 – Amy Richert (Field)