Daniel Sanderson, University of the Ozarks, Men's Cross Country & Track and Field - Character & Community

Daniel Sanderson, University of the Ozarks, Men's Cross Country & Track and Field - Character & Community

DANIEL SANDERSON OF UNIVERSITY OF THE OZARKS, a senior on the men's cross country & track and field teams from Clarksville, Ark., has been selected the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Character and Community Male Student Athlete of the Week for the week beginning January 12.

The SCAC Character & Community award honors the efforts of student-athletes who excel in the field of athletics, and also serve their campus and community.



Daniel Sanderson, a four-year standout, is proud to represent his hometown University as a student-athlete. He has been among the top runners in program history ranking in the top-10 in the 8k. He was named the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Cross Country Runner of Week last semester after a standout performance in Memphis, and has competed in multiple NCAA III Regional Cross Country Championships during his career. In outdoor track, he owns the school’s record in the 1500.

Away from athletics, Daniel serves as his team’s representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. His additional service includes assisting with Operation Christmas Child and helping gather clothing for the needy for his local church. He has been an example to students on campus as a Resident Assistant.

“I enjoy helping out others on my floor and on campus,” said Sanderson. “Being an RA is a great way to encounter others and get to know one another.”

An avid outdoorsman, Daniel enjoys all things outdoors - hunting, trail running, camping, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and hiking. He even made his own sustainable water hole on a running trail near his home.

Daniel, who has blossomed over the last four years at Ozarks, has literally planted his roots at Ozarks where he was part of a crew that helped plant trees and shrubs on the grounds of the university’s new dorm.

“The University has really helped me get to where I need to go in the future,” he said. “It has been a blessing to be here.”

An Environmental Studies major, Daniel will graduate in May and pursue a career as a firefighter in the United States Forest Service.

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