CEDARVILLE, Ohio - Record-setting sprinter Alexa Winik and standout distance runner Evan Thayer are the Cedarville University Athletes of the Year for the 2011-12 season.
They were chosen in a vote by the Yellow Jacket head coaches and recognized at the Athletic Department Honors and Appreciation Dinner in the Callan Athletic Center on April 12.
Winik, a senior from Windsor, Ontario, wrapped up her career as the finest sprinter in Lady Jacket track history. She graduated with six school records to her credit.
Winik was tabbed the NCCAA Indoor Outstanding Track Performer of the Meet for the third time in four years. She posted victories in the 200, 400 and 4 x 400 relay and additionally was an All-American in the 55 meter dash.
On the outdoor circuit, Winik was the 400 meter dash champion at the University of Cincinnati Relays. She was a multiple NAIA and NCCAA Outdoor All-American during her career and was an NAIA and NCCAA Scholar-Athlete.
Thayer, a senior from Naperville, Ill., departs CU as one of the school's more accomplished distance runners in track and cross country.
He was the cross country squad's #1 runner in every meet in 2011 and was an NCCAA All-American after placing third in the national meet. He guided the team to a runner-up finish.
Thayer earned the prestigious NCCAA Wheeler Award in cross country. He also repeated as a scholar-athlete.
On the track, Thayer was the NCCAA Indoor Champion in the mile with a meet record time of 4:12.65. He achieved multiple All-America honors both indoors and outdoors, was an NAIA and NCCAA Scholar-Athlete, and also owns three school records.
