SEWARD, Neb. – An incredible run through the 2021 outdoor season has continued for Rachel Battershell. The native of Wheatland, Wyo., has earned the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Women’s Track Athlete of the Week award for the third-straight time. Battershell is responsible for three of the seven GPAC athlete of the week honors collected by Concordia University Track and Field during this outdoor campaign.
Battershell rose to the top of the NAIA national list in the 400 meters by galloping to an outdoor personal best of 55.05 at the Drake Relays last week. Only an NCAA Division II competitor managed to outkick Battershell in the race. The performance resulted in Battershell qualifying for nationals in a third individual event. Battershell is a two-time NAIA indoor national champion in the 400.
On the current NAIA leaderboards, Battershell ranks No. 1 in the 400 meters, fifth in the 400 meter hurdles (1:02.18) and 13th in the 100 meter hurdles (14.55). Battershell also helped the 4x400 meter relay achieve a national qualifying time of 3:53.92 (Concordia Invite) that ranks sixth nationally.
The Bulldogs now have the honor of hosting the GPAC championship meet this Friday and Saturday. Battershell and the top-ranked women’s team will take aim at winning a fifth-straight GPAC title.
2020-21 GPAC Athletes of the Week
Outdoor
April 28 – Rachel Battershell (track)
April 21 – Rachel Battershell (track)
April 14 – Rachel Battershell (track); *Addie Shaw (field)
April 7 – *Addie Shaw (field)
March 31 – Jacob Cornelio (field), Addie Shaw (field)
Indoor
Feb. 17 – *Rachel Battershell (track)
Feb. 10 – Josie Puelz (field)
Feb. 3 – Kylahn Heritage (track)
Jan. 27 – Josie Puelz (field)
Jan. 20 – *Morgan De Jong (field), Kylahn Heritage (track)
*NAIA National Athlete of the Week