BROOKINGS, S.D. – Spring Arbor University secured All-Americans in two events as competition concluded at the 2022 NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships.
The distance medley relay team, consisting of
Zach Morse,
Timothy Nelson,
Dean Reynolds and
Tommee Smith, finished eighth while
Dean Reynolds placed fifth in the 1000 meters.
The Indiana Tech women's team ran away from the field to capture its second straight national championship while Oklahoma City claimed the title on the men's side.
THE BASICS
EVENT: NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships
LOCATION: Sanford Jackrabbit Athletic Complex | Brookings, S.D.
DAY 1 HIGHLIGHTS
- On day one of the meet, the DMR team placed second in their heat with a time of 10:09.56 to punch its ticket to Saturday's event final. The time was a season-best for the relay team and was good enough for second in program history.
DAY 2 HIGHLIGHTS
- Emily Westrick ran a 5:21.51 and placing 22nd in the women's one mile run.
- Tommee Smith just missed qualifying for the 800 meter finals. Smith finished third in his heat and 11th overall with a time of 1:55.04.
- Dean Reynolds advanced to the 1000 meter finals by finishing second in his heat with a time of 2:27.42. The time was a PR and ranks third in SAU history.
- The second day wrapped up with Nathan Stout and Gary Richardson running in the 3000 meters. Richardson placed in the top-12 to advance to the event finals. He smashed his previous PR with a time of 8:31.10 – the fourth-best time in program history. Stout crossed the finish line in 20th in 8:44.14.
DAY 3 HIGHLIGHTS
- Spring Arbor had athletes competing in three events on the final day of competition – the men's 1000, men's 3000 and the men's DMR.
- Reynolds earned his first All-American honor with his fifth place finish in the 1000. The freshman from Jackson, Michigan completed the race with a time of 2:28.40.
- Richardson placed 11th in the 3000 with a time of 8:43.54.
- The DMR team also secured All-American honors and placed eighth with a time of 10:32.93.
UP NEXT
The meet signaled the end of the indoor season. The Cougars will begin their outdoor campaign at the Polar Bear Invitational, hosted by Indiana Wesleyan University, on Saturday, Mar. 26 in Marion, Indiana.
