ALUMNI TAKE FIRST

Homecoming 2002 was a special day, as homecomings often are. For nine recent Dana graduates, however, the day included plenty of sweat and smiles. For the first time in the history of Dana cross country, a team of alums defeated a very good Dana College men’s team, 28-31.

While a sizeable crowd watched, Ben Sandy ’98 strode to victory in the men’s 8,000-meter race, smashing the course record of 25:56 by running a snappy 25:44. Sandy is currently stationed at Fort Riley, Kan., and is slated to leave the Army in two months.

Leading for most of the race and placing second was recent grad Scott Stanley ’01, who ran 25:48. John Tripp ’02, who is completing his student teaching and serves as assistant coach for the Dana cross country team, placed fourth. Jason Brindle ’01, now a social studies teacher at Blair Otte Middle School placed ninth. Marc Bierbaum ’02, now teaching art in Omaha, completed the alumni scoring in 14th. Justin Christensen ’01 was 15th, and former football player and track man, Kevin Ronnenkamp ’99 was 28th.

The alumni won a total of 10 All-America awards while Dana students and claimed conference titles 12 times.

Dana’s only national champion, Angie (Sparacino ’98) Sandy, placed second in the women’s 5,000-meter race, with a personal best of 19:40. Now teaching school in Manhattan, Kan., Angie has just resumed serious training.

Another alumna, Melissa (Bliemeister ’00) Walsh, ran the course in a solid time of 26:52. It was her first-ever cross country race.

Numerous other alumni joined the spectators around Viking Field to watch the combined women’s and men’s races. Briar Cliff University and Morningside College also fielded teams.

Following the awards, the current Dana teams and alumni enjoyed a cookout at Black Elk-Neihardt Park. Former runners who claimed they lacked the conditioning to race were excitedly discussing the possibility of joining the fun next year.