THIS YEAR: One of the top incoming distance runners in the NAIA this year, freshman Wade Meddles is a key athlete in the Cougars quest for the NAIA indoor and outdoor championships ... Can excel in a variety of events but will focus on the 1500- and 5000-meters on the national level.
CROSS COUNTRY: Wasted no time making an impact on the Cougar distance program, earning All-America honors after finishing 29th at the NAIA Cross Country Championship Meet in Vancouver, Wash., this past November ... Ran a 25:41 in less than desirable conditions at the NAIA meet ... Recorded a pair of sub-25-minute 8Ks, including a 24:37 at Woodward Park in Fresno, Calif., to finish third in the Golden State Athletic Conference Championship Meet ... Best showing came at the Titan Invitational at Cal State Fullerton where he clocked a career 8K-best of 24:23 (seventh best time in program history) to finish second overall behind teammate Abednego Magut ... Finished fourth at the Roy Griak Invitational hosted by the University of Minnesota, running a 25:28 ... Recorded a 25:22 in his collegiate debut at the UC Irvine Invitational.
HIGH SCHOOL: Was one of the nation's top high school distance runners during his 4-year career at Sierra Lutheran High in Minden, Nev. ... Named Track & Field News All-American in the 2-mile as a 2010 senior, after finishing the season with the fifth-best time in the nation with an 8:52.87 ... Was a 2-time Nevada state champion, winning the 2A crown as a 2008 junior with a 16:06 on the 5000-meter course and taking the 2009 title with a 16:14 ... Also won the prestigious Stanford Invitational (15:28) as a 2009 senior ... Finished third in the 2009 Footlocker Cross Country High School National Championships, clocking a 15:24 on the Balboa Park Course in San Diego, Calif. ... Was second at the 2009 Footlocker West Regional with 15:29 ... Also ran 4 seasons of track & field at Sierra Lutheran ... Was a 3-time Nevada state champion, winning the 1600-meters in 2010 (4:16.88) and in 2009 (4:26.14) and the 3200-meters in 2009 (9:36.96) ... Posted career bests of 53.47 (400), 1:58.43 (800), 4:16.88 (1600), 4:08 (mile).
PERSONAL: Born Aug. 18, 1992, Lake Arrowhead, Calif. ... Parents are Wilbur (construction) and Maria (dental assistant) Meddles ... Has 3 brothers (Luke, Jake, Jess) and a sister (Jamie) ... Majoring in athletic training with a minor in music ... Plays the drums.
