Junior Megan Wagenaar of the women’s cross country team is the first Taco Bell Athlete of the Week for the 2012-13 academic year. She is earning the award for the sixth time of her career.
Wagenaar was the Tornados’ top runner at the Hardin-Simmons Invitational, finishing second overall and first among NCAA Division III athletes. Her time of 19:39 on the 3-mile circuit, which included a 6:33 mile pace, helped the Tornados place first as a team and 74 points ahead of runner-up Howard Payne.
“I am very proud of Megan,” said reigning American Southwest Conference Coach of the Year Alex Aldaco. “I have put high expectations on her this year, and she has already responded. She came back to school in shape and is motivated to do something special.”
Wagenaar, a business major from Missouri City, Texas, is the daughter of Jane and Lucas Wagenaar. She has one sister, Ashley.