NEW ORLEANS, LA.—Senior Kenadee Wayt (Wheeling, W. Va. / Wheeling Central Catholic) was named the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Division III Women's Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year.
 
In a banner season for Wayt she became the all-time leader in All-Americans for women's track and field while also tying her mother, formerly known as Heather O'Shea, for the most wins at the National Championships there was one award that had not been achieved by a Purple Raider before today.
 
"As a coach you may only come across an athlete who is driven and does everything right once in your career," Head Coach Kevin Lucas commented, "She literally does everything right. Her work ethic is unparalleled and her desire to be the best is unmatched."

This is the first time an athlete from Mount Union has won the award on the either men or women's side. "I still have quite a few years left in my career, but I truly believe Kenadee is just that, a once in a lifetime athlete." Lucas finished talking in his interview about Wayt.
 
Wayt proved just that on the track this year taking down nine school records, picking up eight All-American honors and won three individual titles at the NCAA Championships.
 
"To put it simply - every day we practice together, is a day we get that much better as athletes and women. Training alongside Ken encourages me to be better. No matter the reps, the rest, or the distance. She gets it done." Commented 400-Meter teammate and counterpart Madison Miles.
 
Miles has been along side Wayt for the last three years and has been on the 4x400-Meter relays that have school records along with Wayt she has four All-American awards with Wayt as well.
 
Miles went on to say, "I don't know if I have ever met anyone who has the drive that she does. I have been lucky to train alongside one of the best in the nation since I was a freshman, and I am confident there is no one more hard working or more deserving than Ken for this award."

Wayt was honored this past weekend for being the Elite 90 winner which is the top GPA for the student athletes that are competing at the national championship. "Kenadee is the definition of a student-athlete, not only excelling in the classroom, but also crushing it on the track." Tyler Neff, assistant coach, talking about Wayt. "Working with Ken the last few years has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. We've come a long way from her early days of just wanting to be a 100-200 runner." 

"But seeing everything come together the way it has, seeing her trust us, trust the training, and reach the next level, it's been incredible. Kenadee is an unbelievable athlete, a great person, and a great friend. The sky's the limit for her," commented Neff, "even though it once took her 8 tries to finally make an unburnt grilled cheese, we wouldn't trade her for the world."