Inspire, Spring 1995

ir111.S1) 1.Ire SPRING 1995 I Striving For Excellence In Athletics e A News Publication for Cedarville College Alumni G raduates of Cedarville College are well-prepared to excel in their chosen fields. This certainly holds true for those athletes who grace our campusfor four years and then move on,continuing to improve and compete at higher levels. They fervently pursue excellence in their respective sports, making it a part oftheir lifestyle. These athletes are Cedarville College alumni—men and women with talents and achievements in sports ranging from running to racewalking. Rob Moore'88 specializes in running road races like the 5k and 10k.Currently, Moore is a part of Athletes In Action and enjoys the numerous opportunities for witness in many parts ofthe nation. "Athletes around the country know about Athletes In Action. We have a reputation as excellent athletes, but more importantly as a witness for Christ." Moore's achievements include many top finishes in marathons around Ohio.In a 1993 Columbus marathon,he was the second from the state ofOhio to finish. In another 10k race,he posted a time of 30:36. Moore has competed in the same road race in Muskegon,Michigan for many years and has won the race for the past eight years. Other accomplishments include appointments to NAIA and NCCAA All-American teams in track and cross country,as well as holding a Cedarville record in the outdoor 1,500 meter run. Moore states that he likes to see improvements in his ability to race and this is a source of motivation for him."I'm real competitive when it comes to running, and I like to see if!can beat my previous time in a particular race." Chad Eder is a senior finance major at Cedarville College who specializes in racewalking.Chad's racewalking career began a couple of years ago when Coach Tim Walters'89N noticed how well Eder racewalked around the track. Walters suggested that Eder seriously look into the event and compete at the collegiate level. Eder has been a runner ever sincejunior high school and presently competes on the cross country team at Cedarville. Eder racewalks nine months a year.In racewalking,the standard distance is 20km(12.4 miles). He walks every day— around 50 to 70 miles per week—and says that the racewalking stride, which is difficult to master,came very naturally to him. Eder's goal is to compete in the 1996 Olympic Trials. In his first year ofracewalking,Eder made the NAIA national championships at Vancouver,British Columbia.In 1994,he competed in the USATFindoor mobile circuit,on the same level as athletes like Jackie Joiner Kersey and Jane Romig Brooker'86. Also in 1994,Eder earned NAIA All-American honors in the 5,000 meter race walk.Eder took third place at the 1994 NAIA nationals in Azusa,California. Chad cites the encouragement ofthe Cedarville coaches as key in his success as a racewalker."Racewalking is a very enjoyable sport for me.I am thankful to Coach Tim Walters'89N who got me started in racewalking,and also to Coach Paul Orchard who is very supportive." Jane Romig Brooker'86 is also a cross country and track specialist. Brooker explains that her entrance into the sport of running was the "result of her general lack of athletic ability!" At Cedarville,a friend watched her easily run a required one and a half mile fitness run and suggested that Brooker pursue running as a sport. Now, Brooker is pursuing her dream as she trains for the 1996 U.S.Olympic Trials. Brooker has a long list ofaccomp- lishments and is thankful for her coach, who happens to be her husband."My husband,Scott['86],is the mastermind behind it all. He is my motivation and support." One of her most significant achievements was last year's induction into the NAIA Hall ofFame—Brooker is the first track&field female athlete in the country to be honored as such. Brooker is also a member ofthe Cedarville College Athletic Hall ofFame, holds seven school records,and earned numerous NAIA and NCCAA awards. Brooker states that the Lord has taught her much through running."There are times that I am really feeling the pressure.In this sport, you are only as good as your last race. ButI know that athletics is notequal to my self-esteem." This issue ofInspire focuses on the alumni-athletes ofCedarville College. These individuals representjust a sample ofthe wide range oftalents ofCedarville College alumni.