Hesston College women’s cross country coach Gerry Sieber announces Renee Buckwalter, a senior at Iowa Mennonite School, Kalona, as the newest addition to the Larks program.

A two-time all-conference runner, Buckwalter participated in the Iowa state cross country meet in 2011 and 2014. She was an academic all-state selection as a senior. An honor roll student, Buckwalter is deciding her major at Hesston.

“Rene has been on my radar ever since she burst onto the scene at IMS her freshman year,” Sieber said. “Under the excellent tutelage of IMS coach Marty Gingerich she has become a well-seasoned and savvy runner and will have an instant impact on our team.”

Buckwalter is the daughter of Tom and Paula Buckwalter, Wellman, Iowa. She attends Wellman Mennonite Church and is active in the youth group there.