Rochelle Schmidt named Doane College Woman Athlete of the Year

Doane College Doane College senior Rochelle Schmidt, a Republican Valley alum from Indianola, is the school's Woman College Athlete of the Year. She is also the defending NAIA champion in the triple jump.

CRETE -- Doane College senior Rochelle Schmidt was named Sharon Wilch Woman Athlete of the Year at the annual Student Awards Ceremony May 15.

An 11-time All-American, Schmidt triple jumps and long jumps and won the award in 2003 as well.

She is the daughter of Leslie and Nancy Schmidt of Indianola.

The prize for this award is funded by Sharon Wilch, Westminster, Colo., who graduated from Doane in 1959. She is former commissioner for the Colorado High School Activities Association.

Doane College is a four year comprehensive institution that emphasizes liberal arts education.

More than 3,200 students are enrolled at the college's Crete, Lincoln and Grand Island campuses.

Schmidt is one of 48 Doane College individuals competing in the NAIA National Outdoor Track and Field Championships this week in Louisville, Ky.

Schmidt finished first in the triple jump last year and will also compete in the long jump and runs a leg on the 4x100-meter relay team.

Another area athlete competing for the Tigers is Theresa Strand, a sophomore from Chase County-Imperial.

She will throw the discus. She is the daughter of Gerald and Ann Strand.

The Tigers, under the direction of head coach Ed Fye, will try to improve upon last year's finishes.

The women placed third with 66 points and the men placed 10th with 28.

Azusa Pacific University (Calif.) is the defending men's champion, and Lindenwood University (Mo.)won the women's title.