By David Wilson
The Trevecca Nazarene University cross country team will compete in the first ever Michael Pretorius Invitational this Saturday at Percy Warner Park.
Head coach Austin Selby confirmed the decision today, after conversing with the families of Samantha Rosencrants and Abigail Baggott.
Rosencrants and Baggott were involved in a motor vehicle accident Monday afternoon. Both women were hospitalized due to injuries sustained in the accident.
“After extensive discussions with our athletes and athletic administration and taking into consideration feedback from Samantha and Abigail’s families, we’ve decided [that] moving forward with the Michael Pretorius Invitational Saturday is the best decision,” said Selby.
Pretorius, a former member of the Trevecca cross country team, passed away this summer due to a second fight with cancer.
Pretorius’ initial bout occurred during his senior season. After undergoing chemotherapy, Pretorius was able to compete in his final collegiate race.
In 2016, athletic director Mark Elliott established the Michael Pretorius Courage Award, which is given every year the TROJY Awards.
“While [our] team has been on quite the roller coaster this week, they believe one of the best things they can do to encourage their injured teammates is to race on Saturday and honor them while doing so. Though our attention will be more than a little divided, our group is motivated to race,” said Selby.
