November 20, 2007

Three Malone Athletes Garner NCCAA Student Athlete Of The Week Recognition

Three Malone College athletes earned NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association) Student Athlete of the Week honors following their impressive performances during the week of November 12-18.  Bernard Payton, of the Pioneer football team, Ryan Kienzle, of the men’s cross country team, and Tyler Renner, of the men’s basketball team, each earned the national honor.
 
Payton, a senior running back from Pomona, California, led Malone to a convincing 45-17 win over Geneva (PA) College in the 2007 NCCAA Victory Bowl by carrying the ball 40 times for 185 yards and scoring three touchdowns.  He also caught five passes for 36 yards and was named the game’s Offensive MVP.  With his three scores, the 6’1”, 205-pound senior tied the Malone single-season record for rushing touchdowns with 19.  Payton gained 100 or more rushing yards in 10 of Malone’s 12 games this year, including each of the squad’s final eight contests.  With their first Victory Bowl win, the Pioneers wrapped up their 2007 campaign with an 8-4 record, marking the highest win total for the Malone football program since 1996.
 
Kienzle, a senior from Canton, Ohio (GlenOak H.S.), helped the Pioneers capture the NAIA National Championship in Kenosha, Wisconsin on Saturday after finishing second overall in a time of 24:24.9.  Kienzle earned All-American honors at the event as the Pioneers won their first NAIA National Title since 1972.  The Malone men’s cross country team ends the 2007 season having won every meet in which it competed.
 
Renner, a senior forward from Sugarcreek, Ohio (Garaway H.S.), averaged 20.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, and two blocks per game to help the Pioneers post a 3-0 record last week.  The 6’6” senior tallied 18 points, 10 rebounds and four assists in an 88-77 victory over Urbana University on Tuesday.  He then posted 21 points and nine rebounds in an 85-61 win over Grove City College on Friday.  Renner wrapped us his strong week on Saturday with 21 points, three blocks, and a career-high 17 rebounds in an 83-70 triumph at Geneva.  He shot 51% (21-41) from the field on the week and knocked down 16 of 21 free throw attempts (76%).  Malone stretched its winning streak to four games with the three victories and improved its overall record to 4-1 on the young season.
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