Kemple, Fultz earn All-American honors

Anderson University track and field athletes Gwen Kemple and Ryan Fultz competed at the NCAA Div. III Track and Field Championships on Thursday and Friday at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.

Kemple, who was competing at the national level for the third time in track, finished eighth in the 10,000 meters in a time of 36:01.11 and was named an All-American.

“Gwen ran an outstanding race,” said AU coach Scott Wilson. “The field was deep and competitive and she just ran tough. She proved once again the quality of runner she is as last year she missed being in this race by one second. She used that as motiviation for this past year and reached her last goal. We are very proud of her.”

Kemple has also been an All-American in cross country during her career at AU. She was recently named the 2007-08 Outstanding Senior Female Athlete as well as the Track MVP at the HCAC Championships, where the Ravens won the meet for the fourth straight year.

Fultz finished seventh in the high jump with a height of 6-6 1/2, also earning All-American status.

“Ryan did an outstanding job of staying focused and composed at the national meet,” said Wilson. “To be All-American the first time at a national meet is a great accomplishment. Clearing the first couple heights with no misses was key. He then had some very good attempts at 6-8 1/2″ He has a lot to be proud of from this season.”

The two-sport athlete was All-Conference in basketball and finished second in the high jump at the 2008 HCAC Championships. His personal best height is 6-8 1/4.