Mackenzie Barnett and Andy Stohr both had scholarship offers from multiple Division I schools, but they had only one in common.
So after weighing their options, the one school that had offered both stood out to the Columbus North cross-country and track seniors. So Barnett and Stohr, who have been dating for about nine months, both decided on Lipscomb, a Division I school in Nashville, Tennessee.
“We both liked the Christian aspect of Lipscomb,” Barnett said. “It was on both of our lists of schools that we were looking at it, so we both liked that it was a Christian school, and we both felt that the coach and the team were a good fit for us. It just kind of worked out that we both decided to go there.”
Both runners made their decisions on Sunday, a day after they helped lead their teams to semistate cross-country titles at Brown County.
Barnett, who won the individual title at the sectional, regional and semistate, also looked at Ball State, IUPUI, Indiana State and Southern Indiana. She wants to major in education at Lipscomb and become a math or special education teacher.
“I didn’t ever think that I would be able to run at a D-I school, but I’m excited that I’m able to,” Barnett said.
Stohr also had looked at Kansas and Kentucky.
“We tried to stay out of each others’ recruiting process as much as possible because we wanted to keep that factor out of it,” Stohr said. “I think we did a good job with that, and we both made the decision on what we like.”
Stohr, who finished fifth individually in the semistate, plans to major in computer engineering at Lipscomb.
“The main factor for me was just the faith and the culture of the team,” Stohr said. “Everyone knows everyone at the school basically, and it just stood out to me. Everyone is just so friendly, and the coaches are nice. I just felt that I could grow in all aspects of my life.”
North boys cross-country coach Danny Fisher said Stohr will be better at the longer races in college. The Bison are coached by former Perry Meridian runner Nick Polk.
“It’s a great fit for Andy,” Fisher said. “There are a lot of aerobically-strong philosophies down there, and it will fit right into Andy’s wheelhouse. With Andy, there’s a lot of untapped potential. I think the 5K kind of doesn’t do him service in terms of what his strengths are. He’s going to be set up really well for the 8K, 10K and things longer than that down the road if he chooses.”
North girls cross-country and track coach Rick Sluder also said Lipscomb is a good fit for Barnett.
“The type of community it is, and the program there, she’ll definitely be able to find out where her talent is,” Sluder said. “They’ll get the most out of her there, and then educationally and socially, it’s right up where she wants to be.”
Barnett figures to be a contender for a top-five finish in Saturday’s state finals at LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terre Haute. The Bull Dogs are ranked third as a team and hope to challenge Carmel and Fort Wayne Carroll for the championship.
“I think our team is really ready, and we’re super excited to try to compete for a state title,” Barnett said.
The North boys have been ranked No. 1 in the state all year and are the favorite to win on Saturday. Stohr hopes to also land on the podium with an All-State finish.
“It’s a big goal for me,” Stohr said. “I really want to be top 15. I feel like I’ve worked really hard this season, and I’m excited for the opportunity.”
