Grand Rapids, Mich. — Some athletes ease into the outdoor season. Lindsey Strutz kicked the door off the hinges.
The Aquinas multi-event standout turned her outdoor debut into a statement performance at the Hillsdale Mid Week Multi, capturing the heptathlon title, rewriting the record book twice, and now earning WHAC Female Field Athlete of the Week honors after one of the top performances in the NAIA this spring.
Strutz Earns WHAC Female Field Athlete of the Week
Over two days at Hillsdale College, Strutz piled up 4,860 points in the heptathlon, breaking her own Aquinas school record by a remarkable 320 points and setting a new lifetime best in the process. The total now ranks #1 in the entire NAIA, putting her 73 points clear of the national field.
For a program built on championship standards, this was one of those performances that immediately changes the national conversation.
Strutz was sharp from the opening event, putting together a complete and composed first day in the 100-meter hurdles, high jump, shot put, and 200 meters. On day two, she elevated things even further with major scoring efforts in the long jump, javelin, and 800 meters.
The headline event on the second day came in the javelin, where Strutz launched a throw of 129-11, setting yet another Aquinas school record.
That combination of consistency, explosiveness, and poise across seven disciplines is exactly what separates elite multi-event athletes from everyone else.
Coach's Comments
"Lindsey's performance this week was the definition of championship composure," said Aquinas Head Coach Mike Wojciakowski. "To open the outdoor season with a lifetime best, break your own school record by more than 300 points, and then add another school record in the javelin says everything about the work she has put in. What makes this special is how complete the performance was. She was steady, competitive, and mentally locked in for two full days. Being number one in the NAIA this early is exciting, but for Lindsey it's really about chasing how great she can become."
For Strutz, this latest honor is more than just a weekly award. It's the latest sign that one of the NAIA's premier multi-event athletes is building toward something special this spring.
And if this opening statement is any indication, the rest of the country may be the ones chasing burgundy all season long.
Up Next
The Saints continue their outdoor campaign this weekend looking to build on another nationally significant performance as Strutz and the AQ women's squad keep their sights set on WHAC and NAIA championship season.
Another reason why every day is a great day to be a Saint.
