Baker University sophomore Stephanie Nelson became the school’s first individual national track and field champion in nearly 60 years, winning the javelin on Thursday, May 24, at the NAIA Championships in Marion, Ind.

Baker University’s national success during the winter sports season has resulted in a lofty ranking for the Wildcats’ athletic program.

The Wildcat Classic Golf Tournament, Friday, May 18, is open to players of all skill levels and kicks off Alumni Weekend 2012. All proceeds will benefit Baker University student-athletes.

The momentum built by Baker’s successful fall sports carried over to the winter as indoor track athletes, the men’s basketball team and wrestlers performed well in national competition.

When Baker’s football team made history in 1890 by winning the first intercollegiate sporting event in the state, a 22-9 victory over the University of Kansas, the team’s name, the Methodists, didn’t reflect the team’s ferocity. While the Wildcat is now a firmly imbedded icon of athletic success, its look has changed with the times.

The men’s soccer team enjoyed a historic season, which included a HAAC regular season title and NAIA tournament Fab Four appearance.

In her first year as director of athletics at her alma mater, Theresa Yetmar, ’02, will be recognized by the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators, joining six other recipients from all levels of collegiate competition.

Bubba Starling, from Gardner, Kan., who recently signed a contract with the Kansas City Royals, isn’t the only three-sport standout in the family. His mother, Deb Strack Starling, ’87, competed in track, volleyball and softball at Baker after graduating from Gardner High School. His sister Jamie is a member of the Wildcat volleyball team.

Former Baker University football standout George LaFrance will be inducted into the 2011 Arena Football League Hall of Fame next spring.

Four former Wildcat standouts will be inducted into the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, Oct. 21, with a celebration at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel at the Convention Center. All Baker alumni are welcome to attend the ceremony.