Feb. 15, 2009

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - In their inaugural year competing in the American Heartland Conference, the Panthers posted solid finishes on both the men's and women's side. Reba Wilke earned Conference MVP for her efforts in leading the women to a 3rd place overall finish.

The year started off with a bang for the women's team as Kathryn Stephens, Renee Koll, Amber Bentley, Krysten Bandstra and Reba Wilke claimed top honors as the best overall team in the conference. After battling through the mid-part of the year, Amy SaLee and Wilke were named to a few All-Tournament teams as well as being honored on the First Team All-Conference List. Wilke added a Conference MVP after finishing strong at the final meet last weekend.

ON the men's side, the final results were not in from the overall conference standings but the team had a solid campaign highlighted by a few Top-5 finishes early on.

Both teams have qualified for the Sectional Championships which will be held on March 14 and 15 in Fairview, IL.