CLARKSVILLE - Josh Yeckering, a former Austin
Peay State University cross-country runner, reportedly drowned, Thursday, after
being swept out to sea during a recreation swim at San Diego's Del Mar Beach.
Yeckering, 25, of Owensboro, Ky., was a Navy
petty officer stationed with Camp Pendleton's 11th Marine
Expeditionary Unit. According to reports, he went into the ocean with another
sailor and was swept out to sea around 5:30 p.m., Thursday. The other sailor
made it back to shore safely. As of Friday night, the Coast Guard's recovery
search had been suspended.
"This came to me as a total shock," APSU head
coach Doug Molnar said. "Josh was always in great shape and it's hard to see something
like this happen to someone in the prime of their life. He was great guy and
will be missed by everyone that knew him. He was a guy that everyone loved and
loved to be around. This is a sad day for his family and for the Austin Peay track
and cross-country programs."
A four-year member of the Governors Cross
Country team, Yeckering was one of Austin Peay's top runners in each season. As
a freshman, he qualified for the USA Junior Outdoor Track and Field
Championships in the 10,000-meter run. He ran in 21 meets for the Govs, with
his career-best 8k time (26:09.32) coming during his junior season.
-AP-
