Upcoming Event: Cross Country versus Gans Creek Classic on September 26, 2025 at 8:00 AM
8:00 AM
Cross Country
vs Gans Creek Classic
Venters Named Pac-12 Cross Country Scholar Athlete of the Year
10/28/2022 8:30 AM | Cross Country
Emily Venters of Utah cross country was named the Pac-12 Scholar Athlete of the Year ahead of Friday’s championships.
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Utah cross country senior Emily Venters was named the Pac-12 Scholar Athlete of the Year Friday morning ahead of the Pac-12 Cross Country Championships race.
Venters became the first Woman of Utah to ever earn this prestigious honor from the Conference of Champions and ninth overall from the University of Utah. The Lawrence, Kan., product is currently wrapping up her post-baccalaureate degree with a 3.95 cumulative GPA.
Her senior season has been filled with excitement, headlined by her first career collegiate victory at the Roy Griak Invitational – which helped Utah capture the team title to secure the sweep. Her run of 20:33.2 was the fifth-fastest time on the Les Bolstad Golf Course since the race was extended to 6k in 2000. Additionally, her time was also the fastest since Deborah Maier of California won the race back in 2011 (20:29.2).
Venters followed up with a sixth-place finish at a very stacked Nuttycombe Invitational, posting a time of 20:02.9 to barely miss out on joining the multiple sub-20 list at this race.
The nomination criteria are:
• Senior (in athletics eligibility) on track to receive a degree
• Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher
• Participation in at least 50% of the scheduled contest in the sport
• Minimum of one year in residence at the institution
Venters and the Utes are set to compete in the Pac-12 Championships in just over an hour at the UCR Ag-Ops Course hosted by USC. Jim Watson and Tom Feuer will guide fans throughout the race on Pac-12 Networks, Pac-12 Insider and on online.
For the latest news and information on the Utah cross country and track & field programs, fans can stay connected online at www.UtahUtes.com and on social media by following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Venters became the first Woman of Utah to ever earn this prestigious honor from the Conference of Champions and ninth overall from the University of Utah. The Lawrence, Kan., product is currently wrapping up her post-baccalaureate degree with a 3.95 cumulative GPA.
Her senior season has been filled with excitement, headlined by her first career collegiate victory at the Roy Griak Invitational – which helped Utah capture the team title to secure the sweep. Her run of 20:33.2 was the fifth-fastest time on the Les Bolstad Golf Course since the race was extended to 6k in 2000. Additionally, her time was also the fastest since Deborah Maier of California won the race back in 2011 (20:29.2).
Venters followed up with a sixth-place finish at a very stacked Nuttycombe Invitational, posting a time of 20:02.9 to barely miss out on joining the multiple sub-20 list at this race.
The nomination criteria are:
• Senior (in athletics eligibility) on track to receive a degree
• Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher
• Participation in at least 50% of the scheduled contest in the sport
• Minimum of one year in residence at the institution
Venters and the Utes are set to compete in the Pac-12 Championships in just over an hour at the UCR Ag-Ops Course hosted by USC. Jim Watson and Tom Feuer will guide fans throughout the race on Pac-12 Networks, Pac-12 Insider and on online.
| UTAH PAC-12 SCHOLAR ATHLETE WINNERS | ||
| Season | Student-Athlete | Sport |
| 2022-23 | Emily Venters | Cross Country |
| 2021-22 | Britain Covey | Football |
| 2018-19 | Brianna Chisholm | Women's Tennis |
| 2017-18 | Katie Donovan | Softball |
| 2015-16 | Brandon Taylor | Men's Basketball |
| 2015-16 | Breanna Hughes | Gymnastics |
| 2014-15 | Taryn Wicijowski | Women's Basketball |
| 2014-15 | Georgia Dabritz | Gymnastics |
| 2011-12 | Stephanie McAllister | Gymnastics |
For the latest news and information on the Utah cross country and track & field programs, fans can stay connected online at www.UtahUtes.com and on social media by following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
###
Players Mentioned
/ Cross Country
Coach Kyle Kepler celebrates 20 years at the helm of Utah Cross Country/Track & Field
Monday, August 11
Utah Cross Country's McKaylie Caesar Feature - A Medical Miracle
Tuesday, April 29
Utes Insider – Cross Country Runner Bella Williams
Wednesday, November 17
2019 Track & XC - Meet the Teams
Thursday, September 05