David McNeill: Going the extra mile

David McNeill

David McNeill traveled from the other side of the world to attend Northern Arizona University. While pursuing his education here, the Australian distance runner also captured two national track championships and holds four NAU school records in running. The nine-time All American also was twice named to ESPN magazine’s NCAA All-Academic First Team and in 2009 was named the Division I Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

McNeill has been equally steadfast in pursuit of his bachelor’s degree, graduating in three-and-a-half years with an impressive 3.8 GPA in the challenging field of exercise science.

“David exemplifies the student-athlete experience at NAU, where academics remains the primary focus, and faculty, staff and administrators across campus are committed to student success,” said NAU President John Haeger.

With his eye toward the 2012 Olympics, McNeill calls his undergraduate experience here “formative” for the way it has helped shape many of his life values.

“NAU Athletics has taught me the value of teamwork, service and leadership by example, while in the classroom, my professors have instilled a new love for learning and a passion for exercise physiology,” he said, adding that his time here has been “a most incredible privilege, honor and source of enjoyment.”