Brookings, South Dakota - The men's and women's track and field teams continued action at the Sanford Jackrabbit Athletic Complex on Day Two of the NAIA Indoor National Championships. The Saints recorded an All American effort and saw a school record fall during competition this afternoon.
Kaylee Diamond led off the day for the Saints in the long jump. Diamond, who entered the competition tied for the 23rd seed, used an indoor personal best of 18-3 1/4 on her third attempt to secure a spot in the finals. She matched the same distance on her fifth jump to secure seventh place in the competition to earn her first All American accolade. Her jump also elevated her to #3 on the Saints All-Time List.
Ronnie McMillan also had a big day as she qualified for the finals in the 600 meters. She did so in record breaking fashion as her time of 1:33.65 eclipsed the previous standard set by Adri Sigafoose (1:34.26) in 2018. McMillan's record pairs with her 400 meter record she set earlier in the season.
The Saints also received strong efforts from
Lauren Wooer and
Caleb Hodgkinson in the 800 meters. Wooer finished 10th in a time of 2:17.14, while Hodgkinson tallied an 11th place finish in a time of 1:54.98. Both missed their respective finals by less than half a second. Aquinas then saw a pair of men compete in the 3000 meters.
Ben Hardy placed 21st in a time of 8:47.65, while
Edward Frey crossed the line in 8:51.94 to place 26th in the 34 person field.
Maelie Hope, competing in her first championships, placed 20th in the weight throw with a toss of 52-2 1/2.
Shaily Baynes also competed for the Saints in the pole vault.
The Saints will close out competition tomorrow afternoon with McMillan in the 600 meter final and Diamond in the finals of the high jump.