BC’s Escobedo Named CL’s Top Male Student-Athlete
AVON, Ohio – The Crossroads League named Bethel men’s track standout, Erik Escobedo, as its 2017-2018 Male Student-Athlete of the Year on Wednesday, after the senior won individual NAIA National Championships during the indoor and outdoor seasons.
Escobedo became the first track and field student-athlete to be selected for the award, after winning the 2018 NAIA Indoor National Championship in the weight throw and the 2018 NAIA Outdoor National Championship in the hammer for BC.
“I am so very proud of Erik and what he has been able to accomplish during his career at Bethel College,” remarked BC head track and field coach Tony Natali. “It is a true testament to what hard work can do. This is a great accomplishment for Erik. I am sure his future looks great, as long as he maintains that work ethic.”
Along with winning the pair of individual national titles, Escobedo was named an NAIA All-American in each event. The Mishawaka, Indiana native capped his record-setting career for the Pilots by winning Crossroads League Championships in the weight throw (indoor) and hammer (outdoor), while taking All-Crossroads League recognition in those events, as well as the shot put and discus during outdoor season.
Escobedo also set the NAIA Indoor National Championship record with a toss of 21.12 meters in the weight throw and was named the NAIA Indoor Outstanding Athlete of the Meet, prior to also gaining NAIA Great Lakes Region Outdoor Athlete-of-the-Year accolades for his work.
The efforts of Escobedo helped the Bethel men’s track and field program claim fifth place at the NAIA Indoor National Championships and 15th at the NAIA Outdoor National Championships.
The Crossroads League Male Student-Athlete of the Year award is nominated and voted on by the 10 Athletic Directors from the Crossroads League and announced each summer.
Crossroads League Female Student-Athlete of the Year Recipients
2017-2018 – Erik Escobedo, Bethel (track and field)
2016-2017 – Lane Mahurin, Indiana Wesleyan (basketball)
2015-2016 – Austin Fox, Saint Francis (basketball)
2014-2015 – Matt Schauss, Bethel (basketball)
2013-2014 – Riley Swanson, Mount Vernon Nazarene (baseball)
2012-2013 – Brady Klotz, Bethel (golf)
2011-2012 – Caleb Kennedy, Huntington (basketball)