Waylon Martensen was a dedicated student, friend, athlete, and a Christian example in the community and at school. He was a fierce competitor and driven to succeed in sports, academics, and life.

Waylon found his passion in running and was on the High School track team all four years. He continued his passion for running at Northwest Missouri State University competing on the track and cross country teams until his untimely death on May 7th, 2010 as the result of a car accident.
 

Waylon is memorialized at Northwest through the annual Waylon Martensen Memorial Bearcat Award given to a track and cross country athlete who best exemplifies university expectations in character, academics and athletics. In addition, the annual Bearcat Open track and field meet honors Waylon with the Waylon Martensen Memorial 1500 meter run.
 

The California cross country team was founded in July 2010 less than two months after Waylon’s passing. He adamantly wanted to have and participate in cross country at California and would be proud that this opportunity now exists for CHS students.
 

Through the efforts of the Davis, Figgins, Huff, Kirby and Thibon families, the school board voted to start the cross country team with the provision that all funds for participation in cross country be raised by the team for the first three years. Proceeds from this event have been crucial in providing that funding.

Still in its infancy, California’s cross country team has already produced seven All-State athletes. Both the Boys and Girls 2012 teams captured District Championships sending both teams to the State Championship meet.

 

Most important, the Waylon Martensen Memorial Scholarship has helped seven California High School graduates attend college.

 

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