Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Athletics

Beth McCubbin is the first track and field/cross country athlete to be inducted into the ERAU Athletics Hall of Fame.  McCubbin competed for the Eagles from 2005-09 and was a captain of the Embry-Riddle cross country, indoor, and outdoor track teams.
 
As an athlete, McCubbin helped put ERAU women's track and field on the map.  The Palm Harbor, Fla. native was an eight-time All-American and two-time national champion, winning back-to-back titles ('08, '09) in the 1,000-meter run at the NAIA Indoor Track and Field National Championships.  She was the first ever All-American on the women's team and was the first national champion from either gender in the program's history. 
 
In cross country, McCubbin helped lead the team to three conference championships and one conference runner-up title.  At the time of graduation, she had run the fastest 5K in team history.  She was the first woman to break the 18-minute barrier in the 5K, posting a time of 17:52 at the Charles Bowles Invitational in 2009. 
 
McCubbin was an All-Conference cross country runner from 2008-09, finishing second at the conference championships each year, and also received the honor in 2007 when she finished fourth at the conference meet.  She qualified for the national championship in each of those three seasons.
 
McCubbin's impact at Embry-Riddle went far beyond the track though.  She was an excellent student and a selfless human being.  McCubbin earned a bachelor's degree in Engineering Physics with minors in meteorology and mathematics, posting a cumulative GPA over 3.0.  She also worked as a researcher at the Embry-Riddle Space and Research Physics Lab.  On top of all of her athletic and academic involvement, she was also involved in multiple on-campus organizations. 
 
McCubbin was the president and founder of the Embry-Riddle running club and would stay at the track after practices to lead workouts for a group of students.  In addition, she was the track and field team's SALT (Student Athlete Leadership Team) representative, and while holding this position helped reinstitute the Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization.  Once the organization was in place, McCubbin became its president and had the club volunteer at the Daytona Soup Kitchen and also began a fundraiser to assist with the medical expenses of an ERAU dining services employee who was injured in a car accident. 
 
In 2009, McCubbin was awarded the Steve and Vicky Ridder Scholarship, which recognizes the student-athlete at ERAU who most exemplifies the commitment to academic achievement, campus and community involvement, personal growth, and the drive to excel in sport. 
 
After graduation, McCubbin interned as a research scientist at the John's Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory where she researched the upper atmosphere.  She then went on to earn a master's degree in Engineering Physics from Dartmouth University in 2012.  McCubbin is currently a science teacher and track coach at Fountain Valley School of Colorado in Colorado Springs, Colo.
 
"Beth was a great student and an incredible athlete, but just as importantly she was an amazing person.  Beth really took the core value of servant leadership to heart.  She always put others first.  She gave up a lucrative career in engineering physics and research because she wanted to work with and make a difference in the lives of young people every day.  I believe she has been one of the best students, athletes and people to ever come through the athletic department at Embry-Riddle and deserves to be in the ERAU Athletics Hall of Fame."
Mike Rosolino
Embry-Riddle Head Cross County and Track and Field Coach (2003-Present)
 
"I have coached at all levels, but I have never come across a person with such passion and character.  If Beth were an average runner I would still nominate her for the Hall of Fame just for the leadership impact she had on our teams.  The fact that she is a two-time national champion and an eight-time All-American just further justifies why she should be included in the Embry-Riddle Athletic Department Hall of Fame."
Peter Hopfe
Embry-Riddle Assistant Cross Country and Track and Field Coach (2005-Present)
 
"Beth was never a 'win the workout' kind of athlete.  In fact, she was almost never the top finisher at practice.  But, when the team needed her points in competition, she would always find a way.  I once asked her what went through her head during a race.  She said, "I thought about doing it for my team and my coaches. I kept believing it was possible, and then I just went for it."  Considering her involvement in the Embry-Riddle community, her response wasn't much of a surprise.  Beth's heart for service was evident on and off the track." 
Jennifer Ngetich (Haydt)
Embry-Riddle Cross Country/Track and Field (2005-09)
 
"Beth was involved in numerous student organizations and excelled in academics.  Somehow, even with her busy schedule, she never missed a practice and always showed up with a smile.  Even during a deadly track workout Beth always found time for an inspirational speech or gave her teammates an encouraging pat on the back.  She taught me that if you wanted something bad enough and were willing to work for it, you will make it happen."
Baleigh Hyatt
Embry-Riddle Cross Country/Track and Field (2008-12)