In a historic moment for the Central Methodist track and field program, junior Renee Finke was named the 2024 NAIA Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Co-National Scholar Field Athlete of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches’ Association.

She is the first athlete in program history to earn the award.

“Renee is the real deal,” stated CMU Director of Track & Field/Cross Country, Kenny Anderson. “She exemplifies the true spirit of the term student-athlete. She tackles her studies and training with equal passion and dedication. Her ability to balance both with such excellence is truly inspiring to everyone around her.”

Finke, a native of Montgomery City, boasts a 4.0 cumulative GPA as a biology major in the classroom. This past outdoor season, she became the program’s first national champion in 20 years in the high jump. She cleared a school record height of 1.77 meters to place first and earn All-America honors.

Additionally, she finished fifth in the heptathlon with 5,071 points, becoming a two-time All-American during the 2024 outdoor campaign.