Submitted by Cory T. Schad, Athletics Marketing Specialist
(Cazenovia, NY – Nov. 12, 2013) Although her time on campus can be measured in only a few short months, Shelby McIntyre’s impact on athletics will long surpass her years at Cazenovia College. Shattering the women’s cross country college record back in early October of this year, McIntyre was recently named to the NEAC All-Conference Second Team for several outstanding performances this season.
“Shelby embodies the excitement and energy surrounding this year’s freshman class,” said Cazenovia College Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Michael Brooks. “She is a true competitor in every sense of the word and her determined will to succeed makes me proud to call her a Cazenovia College Wildcat.”
A native of Ilion, McIntyre’s decision to attend Cazenovia College was due in large part to the school’s Interior Design program, but Shelby saw that Cazenovia had even more to offer.
“I loved the idea of a small campus, close to home, with the opportunity to compete in college athletics,” said McIntyre. Currently a freshman in the Interior Design program, Shelby enjoys spending time with her teammates and lists both drawing and painting as her greatest passions outside of cross country.
McIntyre’s decorated cross country career began long before enrolling at Cazenovia College. She was recognized as a Center State Conference Cross Country All-Star in 2010, 2011 and 2012 while attending Ilion High School. She currently holds the women’s cross country 5k record at Ilion with a time of 21:33, and was honored in 2013 with the Cross Country Achievement Award. McIntyre remained active during the off season, running both indoor and outdoor track. During her senior year of high school, she earned a spot in the state qualifier meet for the 3,000-meter event.
McIntyre’s record-breaking performance as a member of the Cazenovia College Wildcats came on October 12, at the Hamilton College Invitational. Finishing the 5k event in a time of nineteen minutes and six seconds, Shelby shattered the previous record of 20:01, which had stood for several years. She recently led the Wildcats to a third-place finish at this year’s NEAC Championships on Nov. 2, finishing in ninth place overall with a time of 21:58.
Head Coach Bill Houser said of Shelby, “Based on her times, she is the most talented runner in the history of Cazenovia College Women’s Cross Country. She and her teammates are some of the most unselfish athletes with whom I have ever had the pleasure of coaching.”
Shelby attributes her success on the course, in the classroom and in life to her parents. “My parents have been, and will always be, my role models,” said McIntyre. She also looks to head coach Bill Houser for inspiration claiming, “He is both an inspiring and motivating coach day in and day out.”
Shelby has achieved more than most freshman could ever hope for in their first few months on campus, but continues to seek even more success in the future.
“It is my dream to be a residential interior designer, and I know Cazenovia College will provide me with the tools and life lessons necessary to fulfill that dream,” she said.