ABILENE, Texas – McMurry's distance-running standout
Ken Wheeler was honored by the NCAA with the prestigious Postgraduate Scholarship. Wheeler, a four-year letterman in cross country and track & field, finished his undergraduate degree in May after an extremely successful academic and athletic career in May.
Wheeler plans to continue his education across town at Hardin-Simmons where he will enter into HSU's physical therapy program, which is a two and-a-half year doctorate program.
“What a true testament to a young person's commitment to being a whole person and not letting just one area of their life define them,” said athletic director Ron Holmes.
Wheeler did excel for both athletic programs, but particularly in cross country where he was a four-time academic all-American, made four trips to the NCAA regional meet and is one of just two runners in school history to advance to the NCAA Division III national meet when he did that as a junior in 2008.
McMurry head cross country coach
David Chandler said he was excited that Wheeler earned the honor.
“Ken has gone the extra mile with his running, class work, and service to the community,” Chandler said. “It is great to see him appreciated in this way.”
Wheeler holds two school records for track and field as well and was a part of four ASC championship teams. He was named the 2010 Men's Sportsmanship Athlete of the Year for track and field. The Fort Worth native graduated with a degree in exercise science in May.
The NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship was created in 1964 to promote and encourage postgraduate education by rewarding the Association's most accomplished student-athletes through their participation in NCAA championship and/or emerging sports. Athletics and academic achievements, as well as campus involvement, community service and demonstrated leadership, are evaluated.
Each sports season (fall, winter and spring), there are 29 scholarships available for men and 29 scholarships available for women. The scholarships are one-time, non-renewable grants.
