IU Kokomo's Brooke Runyon chosen for NAIA/Red Cross Leadership Program
IU Kokomo's Brooke Runyon chosen for NAIA/Red Cross Leadership Program
(Story By Abigail Banan -- IU Kokomo sports information)
Kokomo, Ind. – Indiana University Kokomo women's cross country runner Brooke Runyon(SO/Noblesville, IN) has been accepted into the NAIA/Red Cross Leadership Program Class of 2016.
College students chosen for this program must be a sophomore student-athlete in excellent academic standing who has previously demonstrated leadership qualities. Only twelve to fifteen students in the nation are accepted each year into this program.
After a rigorous application process and two interviews, Runyon received the news that she was selected to participate in the program.
"I was really excited when I found out," she said. "I immediately ran down to the fitness center to tell (athletic director) Greg Cooper and Coach that I had been picked. More than anything, I'm really excited because I think this will be a great opportunity for our athletic department," said Runyon.
Runyon will spend two weeks in Washington, DC this June where she will hear from Red Cross speakers, work on leadership building projects, tour the city, and interact with other NAIA student-athletes in the program.
In addition to her time in Washington, Runyon will receive a $2000 scholarship for the remainder of her time at IU Kokomo. In order to remain in the program, Runyon is required to coordinate and execute two blood drives on campus each year.
Runyon is hoping to use the on campus blood drives as a campus community builder as well as a chance to leave a positive legacy for Cougar Athletics. "A big reason why I applied for this program was not for myself, but for IU Kokomo Athletics. We are so involved off campus with kids' camps and Habitat for Humanity that I thought this would give the student-athletes an opportunity to get involved on campus," stated Runyon.
Cross Country Head Coach Jason VanAlstine is very proud of Runyon.
"I am very pleased that Brooke has been selected for this program," he said. "She has already shown an aptitude for leadership as a captain of the cross country team and the president of SAAC, and opportunities like this will provide her with opportunities for continued growth. She has earned this opportunity. Brooke will represent IU Kokomo well in this program and will be a great resource for the Red Cross on our campus."
Runyon's closing remarks were of gratitude for the chance to participate in the NAIA/Red Cross program.
"I know that I would not be the athlete and leader I am now without Coach's help. He once told me, 'Always get better, be true to who you are, and have a servant mentality.' I think about this when making important decisions. I am grateful to be awarded this opportunity, and I cannot wait to help serve the American Red Cross here at IU Kokomo," said Runyon.
For more information about the NAIA/Red Cross Leadership program, CLICK HERE.