Muhlenberg Recognizes Nazareth Grads after Stellar Cross Country Season

Sophomore Craig Welker of the Muhlenberg College men’s cross country team was named to the Centennial Conference Academic Honor Roll for excellence in the classroom and on the course for the second year in a row.

Welker is a 2011 graduate of Nazareth Area High School.

To be named to the Academic Honor Roll, a student must be a sophomore or higher in class standing; a starter or key reserve on his or her team, and carry at least a 3.40 cumulative grade-point average.

A double major in Spanish and psychology, Welker helped the Mules improve their finish from last year at both the Centennial Conference Championships (5th place) and NCAA Mideast Regional (15th). His top finish was 20th place at the Falcon Classic at Cedar Crest College, helping Muhlenberg to the team title.

In a June 2011 "Whiz Kid" profile on Nazareth Patch, Welker admitted that he would miss many of his Nazareth friends after graduation. Luckily, one of them joined him at Muhlenberg -- Luke Munyan.

Munyan, also a sophomore, had a breakthrough season for the Mules, running first or second for the entire year. He finished ahead of almost 300 runners at the regional meet and came in 38th place in his career-best time of 27:04 at the conference meet. Munyan also placed third at Cedar Crest.

Welker said he and Munyan planned to participate in both cross country and track while in college.

And, hopefully, would have the same successful experience on Muhlenburg's teams as they did on Nazareth Area High School's teams.

Welker told Patch in 2011 that winning the District XI Championship for the NAHS cross country team was “pretty fun." During the fall 2010 season, the Blue Eagles beat 29 other schools to be crowned the Lehigh Valley Conference Champions. The team finished its season among the top 20 teams in the state.

Editor's Note: Information provided by Muhlenberg College. Additional reporting by Editor Mallory Vough.