T.J. Badertscher

5-11, 135, Freshman, Distance
Marion, IN
River Valley High School

T.J. Badertscher moves to the track following a notable freshman campaign with the Yellow Jackets' nationally-ranked cross country team.....moved up to the team's #2 position and was among the top five finishers in all eight meets.....NCCAA All-American by placing 12th with a season-best time of 25:58 for the 8K.....earned All-AMC Second Team honors with a 10th-place effort in the NAIA Region IX meet in 26:25.....placed 13th of 180 runners in the Cedarville Invitational in 26:26.

High School - Produced a record-setting career at River Valley High School.....two-time state qualifier on the track.....All-Ohio Division II in the 3,200 meters as a senior with an 8th-place finish.....two-time Central District Division II champion in the event.....four-time Marion County 3,200 meter champion and holds the school record at 9:33.....owns school indoor marks in the 3,000 (9:29) and 3,200 (9:52).....part of three MOAC track title squads.....Team MVP for both cross country and track as a senior and served as a team captain for each.....two-time All-Ohio Division II performer in cross country.....placed 17th in the state meet as a sophomore and 20th as a senior.....three-time state qualifier.....two-time Central District Division II Athlete of the Year as district champion.....earned All-Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference First Team honors three years.....member of two MOAC championship teams.....ran the second (16:05) and third (16:06) fastest 5K times in school history.....named the school's Most Outstanding Runner in cross country his final three seasons.....five-time Academic All-Ohio.....selected Teen of the Year by the Marion Star newspaper.....National Honor Society student.

Personal - Carries a graphic design major at Cedarville University.....born 2/23/89 in Marion, OH.....son of Steve and Kim Badertscher.....has one younger brother and a younger sister.