Bio

Susan Downer Nitz, '85, was a standout in cross country and track and field while at Midland. In cross country, Nitz was a three-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete, a two-time All-District performer, and a three-time All-Conference performer. On the Indoor Track and Field team, Nitz was a four-time NAIA All-American. She was a member of the Distance Medley Relay Team that captured a gold medal at the NAIA National Indoor Championship Meet in 1984 and 1985, establishing an NAIA record. At MLC, Nitz ranks in the top 10 all-time in the 600 yards (7th), 880 yards (4th), 1,000 yards (9th), and the mile run (4th). As a member of the two-mile relay team, she helped MLC to four top 10 times all time. She earned Indoor All-Conference honors nine times, including 7 championships and Indoor All-District honors seven times, including 7 championships. In Outdoor Track and Field, Nitz earned NAIA All-America honors in the 1500-meter run. At MLC, Nitz ranks in the top 10 all-time in the 1500-meter run (5th) and in the 3000-meter run (8th). As a member of the 1600-meter relay team, the 3200-meter relay team, and the distance medley relay team, she helped MLC to five top 10 times all time. Overall in Track and Field, Nitz earned NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors three times. In 1985, Nitz was named Midland's Outstanding Woman Athlete. She is currently employed as an exercise physiologist at Heartland Physical Therapy in Norfolk, NE. She is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Susan Downer Nitz is inducted into the Warrior Athletic Hall of Fame for her outstanding athletic accomplishments.