West Liberty-Salem graduate Meghan Vogel received 2014-15 Academic All-Big East honors in cross country and track and field as a redshirt freshman for Xavier University.

Student athletes must receive a 3.0 GPA for two consecutive semesters to receive the honor.

‘Happy Half’ set for Saturday

SPRINGFIELD – For the fourth year, a group of Springfield health and fitness enthusiasts are hosting a half marathon in Springfield. The half marathon will begin at 7:30 a.m. in the parking lot of Springfield High School. The course will run from the high school, through historic Springfield to Yellow Springs, following the scenic downhill Simon Kenton and Little Miami Scenic Trails. The date for the Happy Half Trainer’s Half Marathon is strategically scheduled to be on the training schedule for the fall marathon season. The Happy Half is being held in memory of the three race founders’ family member who lost his battle with cancer in 2011. Proceeds from the Happy Half benefit the American Cancer Society.

Race founders informally ran the Happy Half in 2011 when they were training for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon to raise funds for their family member’s medical bills. Finding the run to be enjoyable and scenic, they decided to recreate the run on a larger scale, to help runners train for fall-season marathons, while also raising money for the American Cancer Society. All runners will receive a race day tech shirt, on-course and post-race hydration and nutrition, and support from volunteers and spectators along the way. An awards ceremony will welcome runners at the finish line, and festivities will continue for interested participants in the Village of Yellow Springs. For runners wishing to return to the race start in Springfield, free shuttle transportation can be arranged at the time of registration.