University of Findlay

Arya (Brantley) Cantrell was named All-America on 13 occasions by the NAIA, 10 times as an outdoor performer and three times for her indoor accomplishments. The well-rounded Cantrell also served as president of the Black Student Union at Findlay. Cantrell’s name, however, still appears in the UF record book more than 15 years later. A relay specialist, Cantrell anchored the outdoor and indoor 4x200 meter relay teams that set records of 1:42.64 in 1994 and 1:44.71 in 1995 respectively. Only a couple of UF track and field records have stood longer.

During her career at UF, she was part of a team that won four consecutive NAIA District 22 and or Mid-Ohio Conference championships. Cantrell’s best season came during her junior year when she earned four All-America accolades in a single championship, placing in the 100 meter, 200 meter, 4x100 meter relay and 4x400 meter relay during the 1994 NAIA outdoor meet. In all, Cantrell was honored as an outdoor All-American in the 4x100 meter relay all four years, the 4x400 meter relay on three occasions, and in the 100 meter, 200 meter and sprint medley relay each once. She also earned All-America honors three times in the indoor mile relay.