Grace Dwyer named CCSJ Athlete of the Year
WHITING, Ind. – Earning automatic qualifications to all three NAIA National Championships – Cross County plus Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field, Grace Dwyer (JR/Lake Station, Ind.) was selected by the department as the 2019-2020 Calumet College of St. Joseph Female Athlete of the Year. Dwyer also excels in the classroom, earning CCAC All-Academic, USTFCCCA All-Academic and NAIA Scholar Athlete honors.
Dwyer opened the academic year with a sixth place finish at the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) Cross Country Championships, earning All-Conference honors and a bid to nationals. At nationals, Dwyer crossed the finish line in 19:46.4 to place 144th in the 340-runner field.
Just after Thanksgiving break, Dwyer earned a trip to the 2020 NAIA Outdoor National Championships with a qualifying time for the marathon by running a half marathon.
At the CCAC Indoor Championships in February, Dwyer picked up All-Conference honors and qualifying times in the 3000m and 1000m. Dwyer entered the race the 10th best time nationally in the 3000m, but was unable to advance out of the semifinals, placing 12th in her heat with a time of 10:46.86.
"Grace emphasized hard work as the most important team attribute this year. She led this attribute by example every single day. As a result of putting complete trust in her training, she developed a self confidence that overcame any self doubt. Grace has accepted every challenge brought forth to her this year and has become a pivotal piece in the evolution of women's running at CCSJ." – Jackie Torres, Head Coach