Mount Vernon Nazarene University cross country teams were involved in a motor vehicle accident Friday afternoon, 18 August, around 2:45 p.m. in Shelby, Ohio.

Both the men’s and women’s cross country teams and coach were traveling northbound on South Gamble Street in Shelby when a semi-tractor trailer went left of center and struck two vehicles traveling with MVNU, causing considerable damage. Two additional vehicles traveling with the caravan were not hit. The Shelby Police Department and Shelby Fire Department responded to the scene where five MVNU players were taken to area hospitals and treated for minor injuries.

“This afternoon our cross country team, while traveling to a scheduled event in Sandusky, was involved in a multi-vehicle crash within the city limits of Shelby, Ohio," said Aaron Quinn, MVNU athletic director. "The crash, which involved a semi-tractor trailer, resulted in heavy damage to several vehicles and five student-athletes being transported to a local hospital with minor injuries for precautionary measures. In times like this, we pause to give thanks to God for his care and take a moment to reflect on the truly important things in life. I am very grateful to the city of Shelby for their willingness to step in and help in so many ways.”

Families of the players were notified and MVNU Cross Country Coach Chip Wilson was with the team for the entirety of the day. The crash is still under investigation by the Shelby Police Department. 

--Mount Vernon Nazarene University