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Kingsley Grad Lauren Wooer becomes fourth alumni to achieve NAIA Track All-American Status


By Kingsley Athletic Department

Contact: Kingsley AD Mitch Miggenburg

mmiggenburg@kingsleyschools.org


Four Kingsley alumni have achieved the honor of NAIA Track All-Americans, continuing the district's legacy of producing collegiate runners

Kingsley grad Lauren Wooer (far right) and her Aquinas College teammates.

Most recently, Aquinas College freshman and 2022 Kingsley grad, Lauren Wooer teamed with Ronnie McMillen, Hannah Adler and Maggie Whitney in the Distance Medley relay (12:00.5) to place 7th at the NAIA National Championship meet at South Dakota State University. Lauren holds the Kingsley school record in the 1600 and 3200.


The first All-American from Kingsley was Dan Newmarch, Ferris State 1981, in the 35 pound weight throw. Dan competed at nationals in Kansas City, Missouri and tossed the weight 52' 11' to earn All-American honors. Dan also threw the hammer at FSU.


All State track athlete at Kingsley, Jaime Dudash, was NAIA All-American twice ('92 and '93) in the 5K at Hillsdale College. Hillsdale was a national cross country power in the early 90s, second in the nation in 1992 and 3rd in 1993. Jamie was also GLIAC Conference champion in the 5K and 10K at Hillsdale.


Greg Vaughn, '98 Kingsley grad, also competed at Aquinas College in the weight events. He was NAIA All- American in the 16 pound hammer with a 5th place throw of 48.41 meters in 2001 at Johnson City, TN. Greg still holds the Kingsley Track and Field record in the discus with a toss of 169' in 1998.


On a Kingsley connection note, Taylor University freshman Noel Vanderwall (Petoskey 2022) was also on the podium at the 2023 nationals earning All-American honors in the mile and 3K. Noel is the daughter of Kingsley grad Carl Vanderwall and granddaughter of Steve and Bev Vanderwall of Kingsley.


Over 30 Kingsley alumni have continued to compete in track at the collegiate level, most notable at Division I was Jared Glover at WMU. Jared was conference champion in the 10K at Western, not an All- American, but a huge accomplishment in Division I.


Ron Hessem was conference champion in three events at Ferris State, 4x100, 4x400 and hurdles.


Kelsey Graham, recent Davenport long jump star, accepted a coaching job at Savannah State, Georgia.


Claude Ockert is finishing up graduation classes at Davenport after a successful track career in the weight events.


Current Davenport senior Colin Graham continues to star in the 400/800 meters and is second on the all-time list in the indoor 800 meters.


Calvin College sophomore Jane Dunlap still has eligibility left but is taking time off due to a broken hand.


Hope College freshman, Carly Roelof, has done very well in the shot with the outdoor season approaching.


KHS alumni continuing their track & field talent at the next level have represented Kingsley very well!

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To learn more about Kingsley Athletics, visit kingsleystags.com

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