Hall of Fame
Maria Newcomer Gleason came to Findlay in the mid 80’s to embark on a college running career and graduate in 1990 from The University of Findlay as arguably the best distance runner to ever run Track/Cross Country at UF. Newcomer Gleason’s name is still commonplace in today’s Track/Cross Country record book. She still holds the school record time in the women’s 5,000 meter and 10,000 meter runs. She is second in the 3,000 meter and 3rd in the Cross Country – 5,000 meter. Those times helped make her an 8 time NAIA National Qualifier – (3 in Cross Country, 3 in Outdoor Track, and 2 in Indoor Track). She was also a two time NAIA Indoor Track All-American in 1989 & 1990 in the 3 mile run and the NAIA District 22 Champion in the 5,000 meters in 1989. Academics did not take a back seat to her athletic achievements. She was named an NAIA Scholar Athlete – twice in Cross Country and twice in Track & Field. On campus, she was awarded the Mancuso Award by the Athletic Department in 1989 for her athletic, academic, and community service achievements. Maria graduated from The University of Findlay in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in Art, Psychology, and English. She currently resides in Findlay with her son and daughter and is employed by the Social Security Administration as a Claims Representative.
