Letter From the Editor in Chief
Hello Patriots!
Spring has officially arrived, and the countdown until the end of the year has begun. With daylight saving time now in effect, the extra hour of sunlight is a reminder that summer break is closer than it feels. We are officially in our final bi-term of the academic year, and while the finish line is in sight, there is still important work to be done.
This part of the semester always brings a mix of pressure and motivation. Final exams, major projects and deadlines can feel overwhelming, but they also mark the progress we have made. For some students, this is the last stretch before graduation. For others, it is another year nearly completed. Either way, reaching this point reflects commitment, resilience and growth.
There is something special about these last few weeks. They go by quickly, but they matter. The conversations in the hallways, the campus events, the accomplishments both big and small all become part of the memories we will carry with us. As managing editor, I am reminded every day that our newspaper exists to capture those moments and represent the voice of the Patriot community. Your achievements, your concerns and your perspectives are what give this publication meaning.
As always, our newspaper is looking to grow. We welcome students who are interested in writing, photography, editing, design and social media. No prior experience is required, just a willingness to learn and contribute. If you are interested in volunteering or becoming part of our team, I encourage you to reach out to us on Instagram at @ UCthepatriot or email us at thepatriot@ucumberlands.edu. We would love to have you and help you share your voice.
Let’s make the most of this final bi-term, Patriots. Summer is almost here, but our work is not finished yet.
Until next time, Ally Kennedy
Staff
Editor- in- Chief
Filippa Malmström
Managing Editor
Ally Kennedy
Staff Writers
Katrina Campbell
Jillian Cross
Sydney Dingus
Eli Dunn
Lily Fabela
Ximena Melendez Hernandez
Taylor Moren
Kasey Padgett
Alicja Sedlak
Sydney Taylor
Zak Willis
Emily Zecchini
Staff Photographers
Faith Baker
Alex Evans
Kurstyn Ison
Abigail McKamey
Faculty Advisor
Jeremiah Massengale
PHOTO BY KURSTYN ISON
UC Chancellor Honored as Tri-County Leader of the Year
Dr. Jerry Jackson, chancellor of University of the Cumberlands, has been named the 2026 William Hacker, M.D. Leader of the Year by Leadership Tri-County. The honor recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional service, collaborative leadership and a lasting impact across Southeastern Kentucky.
Founded in 1987, Leadership Tri-County serves Knox, Laurel and Whitley counties by developing civic and community leaders. The organization’s top award highlights those who act as regional connectors and advocates for growth across communities. Officials cited Jackson’s long-standing commitment to education, regional service and student-focused leadership as key factors in his selection.
Powell Named EVP for
Campus Local
Patriot Athletes Sweep Weekly Conference Honors Across Multiple Sports
University of the Cumberlands athletes earned multiple conference honors this week across lacrosse, track and field, and baseball. The second-ranked women’s lacrosse team swept the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) weekly awards for the second time this season, with Ashlee Baker named Offensive Player of the Week and Koral Hadac earning Defensive Player of the Week honors.
On the track, Tavon Davis was named Mid-South Conference (MSC) Men’s Track Athlete of the Week after a record-breaking performance to open his outdoor season at the Emory Spring Break Classic. The junior won the 400-meter dash with a time of 46.20, meeting the NAIA A standard and setting a new Cumberlands program record. His mark currently ranks as the fastest in the NAIA this season. Patrober Jepchirchir also earned MSC Women’s Track Athlete of the Week honors after a strong showing at the Charlotte 49er Classic, where she met a national standard and posted the top NAIA performance in her event.
The baseball team also swept MSC weekly honors, with Derick Andiarena named Player of the Week and Wesley Culley earning Pitcher of the Week. Jessica Cord was also recognized as MSC Pitcher of the Week for the third time this season and second consecutive week.
Marketing and Communications Williamsburg Easter Egg Hunt Returns With New Activities
University of the Cumberlands has appointed Andrew Powell as executive vice president for marketing and communications, expanding his leadership role within the institution. He will continue to oversee communications, marketing, branding and strategic messaging, building on nine years as vice president of communications and marketing, where he helped strengthen the university’s reputation and expand its reach.
In his new role, Powell will lead the university’s communications strategy and oversee key areas including brand management, marketing initiatives, digital presence, enrollment communications and institutional promotion.
Cheer Team Advances to NAIA Nationals After Record-Breaking Season
University of the Cumberlands cheer team has secured a spot in the 2026 Nfinity NAIA Competitive Cheer National Championship after earning an automatic bid with its Mid-South Conference Championship victory earlier this month.
The Patriots enter nationals following a historic season highlighted by record-breaking performances. Cumberlands captured the conference title with a program-record score of 95.08, surpassing its previous record of 94.05 set earlier in the season.
At the Mid-South Conference Championship in Bowling Green, the Patriots delivered their best performance of the season, posting a 95.00 in the preliminary round before improving to a 95.10 in the finals to secure the title and a berth to nationals. Cumberlands will compete in a 15-team field at the national championship, held March 27–28 at the Stormont Vail Events Center in Topeka, Kansas
Jennifer Simpson Appointed Provost at UC
University of the Cumberlands has appointed Jennifer Simpson as provost, naming the two-time alumna as the institution’s chief academic officer. In her new role, Simpson will oversee the Office of Academic Affairs, guiding undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs while ensuring compliance with accreditation standards and advancing academic quality. Simpson brings more than 13 years of experience at Cumberlands, having served in roles ranging from assistant professor to associate provost for academic compliance. She previously chaired the Department of Leadership Studies and served as dean of the Graduate School, where she supported program development and academic excellence. University officials said her leadership and experience will help strengthen academic programs and support continued growth across campuses.
Ky. Governor Signs Safe Room
Rebate Bill
FRANKFURT, Ky. — Andy Beshear, the governor of Kentucky, has signed Senate Bill 11 into law, creating a residential safe room rebate program aimed at protecting Kentuckians from severe weather. The program, set to begin in January 2027, will be administered by Kentucky Emergency Management. Under the new law, eligible homeowners can receive a rebate covering 50% of the cost to build or install a safe room at their primary residence, up to $5,000. State officials say the initiative builds on existing efforts, as Kentucky Emergency Management has helped develop 97 FEMA-funded community safe rooms across 32 counties over the past 15 years, providing protection for more than 44,000 residents.The program is intended to expand access to storm protection and improve safety during natural disasters across the commonwealth.
WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. — A revamped community Easter celebration is set to return to Briar Creek Park on April 4, offering families a variety of activities ahead of the holiday. The annual Easter Egg Hunt will begin at noon, following pre-event activities starting at 11:30 a.m.
Organizers say this year’s event has been expanded to include face painting, Easter-themed crafts, photos with the Easter Bunny and free hot dogs. The updated celebration aims to provide a larger, more engaging experience for families in the Williamsburg community, building on a long-standing local tradition.
Students Build Beds for Children in Need
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Students at Lexington Christian Academy are building beds for children in need as part of the school’s annual Service Emphasis Week, partnering with Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s Richmond, Kentucky chapter. The project aims to construct at least 60 beds for families across Central Kentucky. Each grade level contributed to the effort, with younger students collecting bedding donations such as pillows, sheets and comforters, while junior high students raised more than $15,000 to support supplies. High school students are scheduled to deliver and install the beds in local homes Thursday, with assistance from Sleep in Heavenly Peace volunteers who provided tools and materials for the build.
Campus Life
Business Forum Offers Real-World Career Insights From Classroom to Career
BY: JILLIAN CROSS STAFF WRITER
The University of the Cumberlands Business Forum provides students with a unique opportunity to hear directly from professionals who have built successful careers across a variety of industries. Each year, the forum brings together speakers who share their experiences, career paths and lessons learned. For students considering their future careers, the event offers a valuable chance to see how classroom concepts translate into real-world success. Alumnus Gabe Hacker, who earned degrees in business administration and finance, attended the forum as a student and said the experience left a lasting impact.
Hacker explained that attending the forum was not required at the time, but encouragement from friends and the opportunity to hear from professionals motivated him to participate. “I was not required to go, but I had friends who were attending, which motivated me,” Hacker said. “After looking through the list of speakers and the keynote speaker, I found a few who aligned with my
interests and thought it would be interesting to hear their stories and see how learning about them could help me in the future.” What began as a simple decision to attend alongside friends turned into an experience that provided meaningful insight into potential career paths.
For students who may be unsure whether to attend, Hacker encourages them to take advantage of the opportunity. He said the event offers far more value than students might initially expect. “The experience overall was much better than I could’ve anticipated,” Hacker said. “With the number of speakers and different career paths represented at the business forum, I was able to gain a lot of valuable information.” Even when a speaker’s profession does not perfectly align with a student’s interests, Hacker said there is still much to learn from hearing about different career journeys and the challenges professionals have faced.
Beyond learning about careers, the forum also provides inspiration and motivation as students consider their futures. Hearing professionals discuss their personal experiences and passions can leave a lasting impression on those still exploring their goals. “One thing that stuck out to me and still influences me today is hearing the testimony
of speakers who have made successful careers doing what they love,” Hacker said. “Seeing that motivated me to pursue my own passions.” Hacker also said hearing from professionals helped him better understand the connection between what students learn in business classes and how those lessons apply in real-world careers. Listening to speakers reflect on their experiences allowed him to recognize concepts he studied in class being used in practical ways. Experiences like the Business Forum help bridge the gap between education and professional life, giving students a clearer picture of how their studies can prepare them for the future.
This year’s forum will feature Jonathan Westbrook, CEO of East & Westbrook, as the keynote speaker. Additional speakers representing a variety of industries will also participate. A full list is available on the University of the Cumberlands website. Students interested in attending the upcoming Business Forum can find more information by searching “2026 Business Forum for Young Professionals” in the homepage search bar.
PHOTO BY EMILY ZECCHINI
PHOTO BY EMILY ZECCHINI
PHOTO BY WILLIAM TURNER
PHOTO BY WILLIAM TURNER
Campus Life
Renewal Through Music and Story
Andrew Peterson on Honesty, Truth and Beauty
BY: SYDNEY DINGUS STAFF WRITER
Campus Ministries’ annual Spring Renewal looked a little different this year. The three-night event, held March 2–4, featured Andrew Peterson, an acclaimed Christian folk and roots rock musician and storyteller. Peterson has released more than 20 albums and singles. As an author, his popular works include the “Wingfeather Saga” novels, as well as “Adorning the Dark” and “The God of the Garden.”
Lily Hamilton, a 2025 alumna, has a special connection to Peterson’s work because of her parents’ love for his music. She traveled back to the University of the Cumberlands for the event and said, “When I heard Andrew Peterson was coming, I was like, ‘I can’t believe they’re doing this this semester, that I’m not there!’”
UC junior Reas Hanley said when he first heard of Peterson’s involvement with Spring Renewal, “I was both very surprised and also really excited because he’s one of my favorite artists.” Hanley also commented on the difference between this year’s event and those in the past, saying, “I was expecting him to speak a little bit more, but the way he played a bunch of songs and gave kind of a little descriptor of why he wrote each one before [he sang] made sense.”
Unlike previous years, when the Campus Ministries worship team opened and closed for a guest preacher, this year students led worship outside on Gatliff Lawn before Spring Renewal. Each night, Peterson’s words made listeners feel more connected to his music and to God.
The Missions and Ministry Department held its weekly coffee hour March 2, where Peterson was the guest speaker. He described growing up in a small North Florida town, “spen[ding] most of [his] time feeling very discontent and dreaming of escaping.” Peterson
recalled doing this through comic books, fantasy novels, music, movies and drawing. He said growing up in the 1980s, “there weren’t a lot of conversations at the church level about the arts,” adding that “it would never have crossed anybody’s mind that you could be a filmmaker or an artist or a songwriter or write fantasy novels and that that would be your Christian calling.”
Peterson explained that his community viewed Christian ministry as either becoming a pastor or a missionary. “And so here I was, this nerdy kid, who was into Pink Floyd and dragons and whatever, just thinking that all these things that light up my heart are things that I’m being told don’t count,” he said. “All these things that I really love and move me, and I sense an otherness in them, I’m being told are a waste of time.”
When discussing his faith journey, Peterson said, “I think it’s very possible to grow up in Southern Christian culture … and think of yourself as a Christian, and not know Jesus. I was that person. And I did all of the cultural things, but it was all disconnected from the true person of Jesus.”
Peterson recalled listening to “If I Stand” by Rich Mullins and said the honesty and imagery in the lyrics “wrecked” him. “There’s a verse where Paul says it’s ‘the kindness of God that leads us to repentance,’” Peterson said. “When I finally met the real Jesus on the other side of that song, what I found was, as Rich wrote, ‘the reckless, raging fury that they call the love of God.’”
He added that not long after, he wanted to write a song that could serve as a doorway for someone else. Peterson said he prayed for God to “let [him] serve [God] in this way.”
To Peterson, the key to creating lasting and “transcendent” work as a Christian artist is to combine “honesty, truth and beauty.” He described honesty as being specific and vulnerable about lived experiences. “You can be honest about a season in your life where you felt
frightened or alone,” he said. “You can pour that into art, and then God can redeem that. Part of the redemption of your own story is the fact that your story becomes medicine for someone else.” By “truth,” Peterson explained, he means “Scriptural truth.” He encouraged those at coffee hour to be familiar with the Bible. “If you’re going to write songs and make art, it pays to pay attention to the towering work of literature in all of the earth,” he said. “There’s nothing else that comes close to it. It’s remarkable... but it’s so good and so beautiful and there’s no bottom to it.”
He added that incorporating beauty into creative work requires excellence. “If you’re going to be a person who the clay that you’re making things out of is words, be a student of words,” he said. “If you’re trying to make movies, be a student of movies. … Christian or not, be a student of the craft.”
Members of the UC community who attended Spring Renewal experienced Peterson’s use of honesty, truth and beauty firsthand. Sophomore Isaac Childers said, “I laughed, I cried. Like, legitimately. It was really neat to hear his experiences line up with mine.” Childers added that it was meaningful to “hear [Peterson] be honest and open, but not in a sob story kind of way, but to glorify the Lord through it.”
Missions and Ministry Office Coordinator Ashley Tucker said, “I think tonight was really good. It’s so different from what Spring Renewal has looked like in past years, but I think that’s good too. The way he tells stories and portrays emotion through his lyrics is just so cool. … His words apply to so many universal things as well.”
PHOTO BY BILL TURNER
Lifestyle
Clock Change Confusion
Students Weigh the Pros and Cons of Daylight Saving Time
BY: JILLIAN CROSS STAFF WRITER
Every spring, clocks across campus jump forward by one hour. Phones update automatically, but ovens, microwaves and car dashboards blink until someone manually resets them. For many students at the University of the Cumberlands, daylight saving time feels less like a historical tradition and more like that groggy Monday morning when the clock seems to have betrayed them.
Still, the tradition of adjusting our clocks has a deeper story than most people realize. Megan Mosby, a first-year student, said she believes it “started in World War I.” Daylight saving time was first widely adopted in 1916, when Germany shifted its clocks forward to conserve fuel during World War I. The logic was straightforward: if people had more daylight in the evening, they would rely less on artificial lighting and save energy for the war effort. Other countries, including the United States, soon followed.
Brileigh Logan shared a similar understanding. “The only thing I know about the history of daylight saving time is that it was
first started by Germany to save power,” she said. While the United States experimented with the time change during and after World War I, it wasn’t used consistently. Some states observed it; others did not. At one point, different towns even set their clocks differently, leading to confusion for travelers and businesses. To fix the chaos, Congress passed the Uniform Time Act in 1966, officially standardizing when Americans would turn their clocks forward in the spring and back in the fall. Since then, lawmakers have adjusted the dates several times, most recently extending daylight saving time in 2007 to begin in March and end in November.
The act of resetting clocks has become its own seasonal ritual. Twice a year, people collectively agree that 2 a.m. will either become 3 a.m. or slip back to 1 a.m. It’s a strange reminder that time — at least the way it is measured — is partly a social agreement. The sun rises and sets on its own schedule. People simply decide how to label those hours.
As for its purpose, Mosby said she thinks daylight saving time exists “to give people more daylight in the evening.” That remains the main argument in its favor. Longer evenings can mean more time for sports practices, campus events, errands or simply enjoying sunlight after a full day of classes. For communities, extended daylight has also been linked to increased outdoor activity and even boosts in retail and recreation.
But not everyone is convinced it still works as intended. Logan said she doesn’t think it serves much of a purpose today “because we are using more electricity when it’s darker.” Modern energy use is far more complex than it was a century ago. While early supporters focused on reducing lighting costs, today’s electricity powers everything from laptops and televisions to heating and air conditioning systems. Some studies suggest the overall energy savings are minimal, and in certain regions, energy use may even increase slightly.
On a personal level, the time change clearly
makes an impact. Mosby said it affects her by “getting less sleep and having a slight change in routine.” Losing even one hour can disrupt sleep schedules, concentration and daily habits — especially for college students balancing coursework, jobs, athletics and social lives. Researchers have found that the spring shift, in particular, can temporarily affect mood and alertness as people adjust. Logan described a love-hate relationship with the shift. “I hate waking up when it’s dark,” she said, “but I like having more hours of light in the evening. It allows me to actually do things when I get out of work or classes late.” That trade-off — darker mornings for brighter evenings — sits at the heart of the debate and explains why opinions remain divided.
Daylight saving time may seem unimportant or even outdated, but it represents a fascinating moment when society literally resets its clocks in pursuit of efficiency. What began as a wartime strategy has evolved into a long-standing routine that sparks debate, sleepy complaints and the occasional missed alarm. Whether students see it as practical or pointless, one thing is certain: Twice a year, clocks shift — and campus feels it.
PHOTO BY KURSTYN ISON
PHOTO BY KURSTYN ISON
PHOTO BY KURSTYN ISON
The Evolution of Women’s History Month More Than a Month
BY: KASEY
Women’s History Month began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California. The Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women planned and executed a “Women’s History Week” celebration in 1978. Organizers selected the week of March 8 to correspond with International Women’s Day. The movement spread across the country as other communities initiated their own Women’s History Week celebrations the following year.
In 1980, a consortium of women’s groups and historians — led by the National Women’s History Project (now the National Women’s History Alliance) — successfully lobbied for national recognition. In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8, 1980, as National Women’s History Week, according to the National Women’s History Museum.
Dr. Stephanie Lawton is a historian and history professor at UC. We asked her to share insights about Women’s History Month.
“This might be a strange answer, but in many ways Women’s History Month is not an important ‘month’ for me because the history of women is so important that I discuss it routinely and frequently throughout the year,” Lawton said. “As a professor of history, I do not confine my remarks on women’s history to one month of the calendar, nor do I treat ‘women’s history’ as a separate category. Women’s history is everyone’s history; it is an integral part of the historical narrative, so it is an integrated part of my instruction.”
“Women, and men, who have fought for the rights of women in the past have raised innumerable important questions and concerns about the civil, political, economic and social conditions of the world that affected everyone. The changes, for good or ill, that resulted from these discussions have affected every area of human history and development. I, as a woman and a professional historian, reflect that history
and have a duty to teach it well every day.”
But how did Lawton become Dr. Lawton?
And what was her experience earning a Ph.D.? “My experience was quite difficult, spanning about 16 years,” she said. “I started out in community college because four-year institutions did not trust my homeschool transcripts to be valid. I initially majored in the performing arts as a classical pianist and vocalist. When I transferred to UCLA, I was not admitted to the music program, so I went into history as my backup major because I just wanted a degree.”
She continued, “At first, I hated it. I was quite depressed my first term or two at UCLA because I was away from my family for the first time, with no friends, and in a major that I did not really enjoy. Fortunately, I had enough curiosity to eventually discover aspects of history that intrigued me enough to make it my life’s occupation. But it was always a struggle.”
“I had a full scholarship covering my tuition and most of my living costs, but that meant I needed high grades or I would lose everything. I knew I wanted to attend postgraduate education of some type, so I would need high grades for that, too. I placed an unhealthy pressure on myself to be perfect academically.”
“God, in His wisdom, as both a means of discipline and grace, gave me exactly what I requested: I graduated with a perfect 4.0 from both my community college and UCLA and was admitted on a full scholarship to the University of Virginia’s history Ph.D. program. There, I continued to perform with outward academic excellence. Personally, mentally and spiritually, however, I was a wreck.”
“Grad school was unimaginably harder, even compared to my intensive undergraduate degree, and, in my fear of failure, I sacrificed myself to that all-consuming idol. This time, God humbled me. Despite all my efforts, I did not finish my Ph.D. in the five years I had anticipated. I was without a job or funding, soon to be without health care, amid a global pandemic.”
“The University of the Cumberlands, nevertheless, threw me a lifeline and hired me on
faith that I would complete my degree. It took me several more years to fulfill that faith, but last year, 10 years after I first started, I finally earned my Ph.D. I am grateful every day to my colleagues at UC, who welcomed, supported and encouraged me to persist. Most universities and colleagues would not have been that patient and steadfast. Looking back, I can only praise God that His discipline has always been accompanied by grace and mercy in ways I never could have anticipated.”
Lawton added that, while the journey was difficult, she values the outcome.
“I do not know that I would do a Ph.D. again, if I knew what I know now,” she said. “But I did it, and I’m thankful that I did because earning that Ph.D. has been perhaps the most important tool in my life that God has used to reveal Himself to me.”
Lawton also shared some of her “words of wisdom for women.”
“First, I would urge women — and indeed all people — not to take your present circumstances for granted,” she said. “In the 1790s, women in New Jersey with sufficient wealth could vote in state elections; in 1807, the state law was changed, and women’s votes were taken away.
“What you enjoy as rights now — rights to travel, to have a bank account, to vote, to attend university, to express your opinion in public, to choose your own spouse, to worship God — are not enjoyed by millions of women around the world today and can, like in the past, be taken away if you are not careful to defend them for the future. History is not linear, progress is not inevitable, and sin is everywhere. Every generation of women and men must continue to fight for what is good and right, generation after generation.
“The second piece of advice is more personal and spiritual: Do not rely on your own efforts to accomplish your goals or sacrifice yourself to worldly idols — to wealth, fame or even the ‘sisterhood.’ Instead, let your motto ever be ‘Soli Deo Gloria,’ and God will take care of the rest.”
PADGETT STAFF WRITER
PHOTO BY HANNAH SCHADLER
Sports
UC Dominates at NAIA Nationals Gold Finishes and Record Runs Lead the Way
All-American honors.
BY: ELI DUNN STAFF WRITER
The University of the Cumberlands’ athletic program experienced great success in early March, as both the Patriots’ track and field and swimming teams delivered outstanding performances at the NAIA National Championship events.
The men’s swimming team finished as runner-up at the 2026 NAIA Championships with 397 points, placing second behind Keiser University. The Patriots delivered an impressive performance, earning 12 individual All-American honors and capturing three national titles.
National champions for the Patriots included Brandon Holder in the 200 backstroke, Titouan Bernot in the 500 freestyle and Ruthiik Satti in the 100 backstroke.
Satti reflected on the accomplishment, calling it a rewarding moment after years of dedication “Becoming an NAIA national champion was an incredible and humbling experience,” Satti said. “It’s something you dream about as an athlete, but actually accomplishing it takes a lot of hard work, discipline and support from coaches and teammates. Standing on the podium, I felt proud not just of my performance, but of the entire journey — the early mornings, tough practices and everyone who helped me get there.”
In addition to the team’s podium finish, four school records were broken, highlighting the depth and strength of the program. With a runnerup finish and multiple standout performances, the Patriots gave the campus community plenty to celebrate.
The University of the Cumberlands women’s swimming and diving team also delivered a strong performance, placing third overall at the NAIA Championships. The Patriots set a program record with 414 points, matching the highest finish in program history, and earned 11 individual
Bella Hoare led the way, scoring the most points in program history while earning two individual All-American honors and a national champion title in the 500 freestyle.
“Becoming an national champion at
nationals meant a lot to me, as it showed that all the hard work I had put into practice over the year had paid off and that everyone could see the effort I had put in to achieve this accomplishment,” Hoare said.
In addition to the team’s success, four school records were broken. Morgan Schraudner set a record in 3-meter diving, Hoare in the 500 freestyle and Megan Schoenlein in the 100 breaststroke. The 800 freestyle relay team of Hoare, Juliana Lopez Morales, Helena Jarosz and Ugne Takuseviciute also set a new program record.
Other athletes, including Sarah Zoellner, Celin Ullern and Moa Nyblom, also earned AllAmerican honors and contributed to the team’s scoring, helping secure third place and bringing pride to Cumberlands.
In track and field, the women’s team also found success. Multiple athletes earned All-American honors. The team scored 14
points and finished 22nd overall in the indoor championships. Kuntsmann earned All-American honors with a fourth-place finish in the 3,000 meters, demonstrating the results of consistent training and resilience. The team will return to action as it hosts the Cumberlands Early Spring Meet.
The men’s track and field team also saw success, earning a runner-up finish at the indoor national championships with 52 points. Tavon Davis and Luca Madeo were among the standout performers. Davis earned the team’s first national title of the meet, breaking the school record in the 600 meters. When asked about breaking the record and becoming an NAIA champion, he said, “I’m not going to lie, it feels good to be a national champion once again. It’s really a blessing. Breaking the school record over three times is crazy, but you know records are made to be broken, and I’m just grateful to be the one to do it.” The team brought more honors back to Cumberlands, with multiple athletes contributing high-scoring performances.
These teams showcased what hard work and dedication can achieve. Through challenges, both the track and field and swimming and diving teams demonstrated that resilience leads to success. From runner-up finishes to AllAmerican honors, these competitions served as a reminder that success is shaped by the effort and commitment we put into our goals.
PHOTO BY CHERYL GILBERT
PHOTO BY CHERYL GILBERT
PHOTO COURTESY