May 25, 2006

The 2006 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships started with a bang as three were inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame.  Donelle Carter of Minot State University (N.D.) and Mandy Schroeder-Sheldon from University of Mary (N.D.) were both honored for their performance on the track.  Mike Thorson was inducted into the coach category for his leadership at Mary.

Donelle Carter broke national records and captured several national championships during her NAIA track and field career.  She attended three national championships during her two years at Jamestown College (N.D.), competing in the shot put, discus, and weight throw.  She finished her sophomore year setting a school record in shot put and also earned the team's MVP award. 

Carter transferred to Minot State in 1997 and competed in four national championships, claiming six individual national titles along the way.  She earned four national championships in the shot put, as well as a title in the weight throw and in discus. 

At the 1998 indoor event, Carter broke the NAIA national record in shot put with 51'2.75".   She then broke the outdoor record shot put record at the 1999 event with a distance of 50'4".  Carter still holds three school records at Minot State and two at Jamestown.

Mandy Schroeder-Sheldon was a leader both on and off the field during her career at Mary.as she competed in four NAIA Track and Field National Championships.  In just three years of competing due to injuries, she was a four-time national champion and an 11-time All-American.  Schroeder-Sheldon became the national record holder in the pentathlon high jump in 1998 with a jump of 5'8 ¾" and to this day still holds several records at Mary.  At the 1999 Indoor National Championships, Schroeder-Sheldon captured national titles in the high jump and in the pentathlon and led her team to a runner-up finish at the event. 

Mike Thorson came to Mary in 1993 and has since established premier collegiate track and field programs.  He has coached 272 student-athletes to NAIA All-American status and has led the Marauders to 30 conference championships.

Thorson overcame many obstacles in turning a struggling program into a perennial power.  With only 40 participants on the team to begin with, the roster has grown under his leadership to more than 100.   Throughout his career, Thorson has always shown passion for the sport as well as for his athletes.

Thorson is involved with Special Olympics, serves as a guest speaker at many events, runs coaching clinics and is a guest clinician at various track meets.  He has received numerous honors for his achievements, including four NAIA coach of the year honors as well as numerous conference honors.