Detroit Cross Country and Track Athlete Mead Goedert Named Valedictorian

April 19, 2006

Detroit Titan track star Mead Goedert (Omaha, NE/Creighton Prep) was recently named valedictorian for the Class of 2006. He is a social work major from the College of Liberal Arts and Education and is graduating with a 3.782 GPA.

Goedert has numerous accomplishments both on and off the field. On the field he was named to the All-Horizon League Cross Country second team, the first Titan male to earn that honor since 2001 and only the 10th all-time. He also set a school record earlier this year in the 3000 meters with a time of 8:30.06. Off the field he has been named to the both the Athletic Director and Horizon League honor rolls every semester he was eligible, was named to the All-Horizon League Academic Cross Country and Track and Field teams and was a member of Detroit's Student Athlete Advisory Council. He has spent the last semester completing a social work internship at an elementary school in Detroit.

"At the end of his sophomore year Mead came to me at our end of the season meeting and said to me that he wanted not just to graduate and run, but to do something special and leave his mark," Recounted his coach, Director of Track and Field Guy Murray. "He's really dedicated himself and been the hardest working guy on the team, and has really left the mark on the team that he hoped to make. Obviously in being named valedictorian he has left his mark on the University as well. I am extremely proud of him and I am going to miss him."

Athletic Director Brad Kinsman also mentioned the impact Mead has had on the athletic department as a whole. "We are all extremely proud of Mead and all that he has accomplished here at UDM during his tenure," he said. "He represents the epitome of all that is good about a Division I student-athlete. He has had success as an athlete, is a success as a student and continuously is involved in giving back to the community. Mead certainly is deserving of his selection as valedictorian and it is terrific to see him honored in this very special way."

The University of Detroit Mercy will hold its annual commencement ceremonies next month for its undergraduate and graduate students on the McNichols campus. Nearly 800 graduates and their families are expected to attend the commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 13 at 1:30 p.m. in Calihan Hall.

Story provided by University of Detroit Mercy Sports Information