Kansas Wesleyan University

The 1977 team won the first cross country title in school history and the 1978 team made it back-to-back championships.  At that time, back-to-back championships had only occurred twice in the history of the KCAC.  Coach John Kernan concluded, “Without a doubt this was the best team we have had here at Wesleyan.  We had more personal records than ever before and more medals won.”

Team Members include: Darryl Ashley, Tony Bozarth, Roger Benjamin, Paul Buhl, Alen Dawding, Henry Devereaux, Joe Fassler, T.J. Fassler, Gary Goodwin, Dave Hickerson, Dave Laha, Tyler Nelson, Rick O’Mara, Jack Robison, Scott Walkinshaw, Loren Wilson, Dan Winston, Rick Yager, Coach John Kernan.

In 1978: With six out of the top seven men form the Fall 1977 championship cross-country squad coming back, coach John Kernan had reason to be optimistic about the team’s chances for the season. However ineligibility and other problems caused some runners not to return and it looked like the squad lost some strength and that the team goal of repeating at KCAC champions was going to be out of reach. The team still had Captain Dave Laha, a senior, and All-KCAC sophomore Paul Buhl returning to lead the squad. Rick Yager looked promising as well as returning lettermen, Tyler Nelson, Loren Wilson, Joe Fassler, and Rick O’Mara was coming over from track. There would be some depth with freshmen Alen Dawding, Tony Bazarth, Dan Winston and Dave Hickerson. The KCAC meet in Winfield was a great one for the Coyotes. Led by Laha and Buhl who placed first and second and Yager at 5th (all earning All-KCAC honors), the Coyotes amassed a meet low of 39 points to successfully defend their title and win the KCAC for a second straight year, a feat equaled only twice in the history of the KCAC. Coach Kernan commented, “Without a doubt this was the best team we have had here at Wesleyan. We had more personal records than ever before and more medals won.”