SENIOR TRIBUTE: The Central Methodist University track & field programs were looking forward to bright outdoor season after finishing a phenomenal indoor campaign. The program broke more than 10 school records this season while sending six individuals and one relay team to the NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championship.
Elliot Knernschield, a Jefferson City native, will be leaving after spending four years with Central's cross country and track & field programs. In the fall, the long-distance runner qualified for the NAIA National Cross Country Championship after earning a 6th place finish at the conference meet.
"My time at Central Methodist has shaped me in more ways than one. I've been shaped to believe in myself and into knowing that when a challenge is brought to me, I have the ability to defeat it," shared Knernschield. "I've been taught how to balance school work and practice, which is not easy when competing year-round."
On the track, Knernschield regularly competes in the 800m, 1500m, and 5000m events. He earned eight Top 3 finishes during the indoor season this year, including a first place finish in the 3000m race at the Principia Relays in February.
"The time right now is unprecedented in our sport. My advice to other athletes would be that right now you have even more time to prepare yourself for the fall season. Now is the time to build up a huge base of mileage," stated Knernschield. "It's a wild time for everyone around the world. I hope everyone stays safe and that this will all pass soon."
Knernschield is set to graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science.
Want to keep up with Elliot? Follow him on Instagram at @elliot_knernschield!
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