GOSHEN, Ind. – The sport of race walking has become a major factor in the success of the Goshen College track and field program since four-time national champion Tina Peters arrived on campus six years ago.  Head coach Doug Yoder ensured that success would continue, recently announcing the signing of nine-time All American Abby Dunn from Auburn, Maine.

"Abby is one of the top race walkers in the nation and she plans to run cross country and do track at Goshen," Yoder said.  "She will be a huge addition to our program allowing us to train at a higher level as well as attract other high level race walkers into our program."

Dunn's lists of accomplishments are staggering and will immediately make her a contender on the national stage for the Maple Leafs.  In both 2010 and 2012, she was the High School Indoor National Champion in addition to three-straight Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference and Maine state outdoor championships (2009-2011).

Dunn also sports titles at the USA Canada Dual Championships (2011), the Junior Women Grand Prix (2009, 2010, 2011), and the Junior Women Penn Relays (2009, 2010, 2011).

Her fastest career times include a mile-mile time of 7:28.13 to win the New Balance Indoor Nationals in 2012, a 3,000-meter clip of 15:05.94, a junior championship mark of 25:33.41 in the 5k at the 2011 Penn Relays, and a 10k time of 55:00.48 which earned her fourth place and All American honors at the 20111 USATF Junior Nationals in 2011.  The times at the collegiate competitive distances (3k indoor and 5k outdoor) would immediately place her in the top five in the NAIA yearly.

Dunn has competed for both Edward Little High School under coach Rebecca Hefty and with the Main Race Walkers under coach Tom Menendez.

Off the track, Dunn's resume is just as impressive.  She is part of the National Honor Society, on the highest honor roll, part of concert and pep bands, in student government, and part of a mentoring program.  The daughter of Steven and Elizabeth Dunn, Abby plans on majoring in Elementary Education after starting at Goshen College this fall.

"Abby is a very hard worker and committed to her academics and sports," Yoder concluded.  "This is a really big signing for Goshen College."