University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics

Recognition: Athlete

Hike Van der Wal was the NAIA National Steeplechase champion in 1962, an event that he finished second in the year before. In that 1962 national meet, Van der Wal helped the Antelopes finish third as a team, its highest finish ever. More than 25 years later, the Saskatchewan, Canada, native still held college records in several events, including the indoor 800 meter run with a time of 1:53.6 and the outdoor 1500 meter run with a time of 3:52.6. In 1962, Van der Wal was named the AAU Midwest Track Athlete of the Year.