BABSON PARK, FL.- Steve Rassel, Associate Athletics Director at Webber International University, announced that Crystal Lynn Haynes will be in the first class that is inducted into the newly established Webber International University Hall of Fame.

Haynes, a native of Sanford, Florida, is the youngest of six siblings. She is a proud mother of two and they reside in Lake Mary, Fl. Crystal is employed at Greenwood Lakes Middle School as the FTE Clerk/ Guidance Secretary and Serves as their head Track & Field coach. She also serves as the Assistant Sprint/ Field Coach at Lake Mary High School.

Haynes signed with Webber in August of 2001. This was also the first year that WIU had a track team. As a freshman, Haynes qualified for the NAIA National Championships in the spring of 2002. She completed in the 100 meter dash. The following year, as a sophomore, Haynes qualified in five events for the NAIA Nationals. The events were: 100 meter, the 200 meter, the 400 meter, the 4 x 100 meter relay, and the 4 x 400 meter relay. Winning the 400 meters at a time of 54.94 becoming WIU's first individual NATIONAL CHAMPION. Crystal is also a Two-Time All-American, still currently holding the school record after 13 years in the 400m 4x100, and 4x400 relays. Crystal graduated from Webber International University in 2005 with a degree in Sport Management. Also, during her sophomore year, Haynes competed on the Cross- Country team.

Haynes competed in her junior year, not only in Track & Field, but also Cross-Country. She failed to qualify for nationals, as she was nursing a hamstring injury. Haynes was back for her senior year and qualified for two events and returned to the National Championships, qualifying in the 100 and 200 meter events. She did make it to the semifinals of both events, but did not advance to the finals.

Crystal is already a Hall of Famer, as she has been inducted into the Winter Spring High School Hall of Fame. Haynes has found success in coaching, both at the middle school and high school levels. This includes two county championships at the middle school level. She has had over 23 individuals and relay champions.

Her biggest thrill is coaching her daughter and helping her to an All-American Title at the Jr. Olympics in Norfolk, VA, in August of 2015. Her daughter competed in Multi-Events: 100 meter, 200 meter. Shot put, long jump, high jump. She finished with a 4^th place ranking in the nation for the 9 years old division.

According to Athletic Director, Bill Heath, "Crystal Haynes was a fabulous student athlete for Webber! She is the only National Champion that we have ever had in track & field! In 2003, her qualifying for five events at the NAIA National Championships is a story in itself. I look at it as one of the most powerful accomplishments in Webber Athletic History. Welcome home, Crystal Haynes, as you will live forever in the Webber International University Athletics Hall of Fame!"
The ceremonies for the first Webber Athletics Hall of Fame will take place at the Ritz Theatre in Winter Haven, FL., August 6^th, 2016. For more information, contact Steve Rassel at (863) 867-0803 or at RasselSE@webber.edu.