This past season the Bethel College men's and women's track teams sent 18 athletes to Fresno California to compete in the NAIA National Track and Field Championships. The trip gave athletes the opportunity to bond with one another, experience the fun of California, and most importantly; compete against the best athletes in the country.
During competition the men were lead by Junior Zach Burrington who became a six time All-American in the pole vault. Also recieving All-American status was the 4x1 meter relay team which included All-American Senior Geoffrey King, All-American Juniors Chris Warhop, Brandon Thomas, and new comer Rod Waters. King also competed in the 200 meter dash, but was unable to reach All-American status for the first time, due to a hamstring pull. Rod Waters also competed in an indivisual sprint the 110 hurdles. Waters finished 10th in the event missing the finals by just one spot. Also leading the men was the 4x8 relay team composed of Juniors David Prieb, Andy Gray, and Sophomores Scott Robinson and Vincent Reel. The 4x8 team came into the meet ranked in the bottom half of the competing teams and left Fresno with a top 15 finish and a blistering new school record. Another school record was broken by team voted "hardest worker" Sophomore Calon Naragon. Naragon competed in the grueling marathon and was able to outlast the California sun and turn in a career best run. Rounding out the mens competition was Freshman J.J. Jackson. Jackson, who set the school shot put record this season, competed against stiff competition in his first national meet but still managed to finish higher than seeded.
The womens side was led by Freshman Caitlyn Gager.
Gager was able to garner All-American honors in the pole vault giving her two All-American finishes in her young career. Fellow freshman Ann O'Keefe finished in the top ten of the pole vault and was only inches away from garnering her second All-American finish as well. In the running events the Pilots were led by Junior captain Kate Bishop. Bishop, who battled injury towards seasons end, was able to advance to the semi-finals of a loaded 400 meter hurdle field; and was rewarded with a top 15 finish. Bishop also competed in the 4x4 meter relay along with fellow Junior Kerri Goodrich, Sophomore Heather Rathbun, and Freshman Jessie Spearman. Coming off a new school record the inexperienced but highly rated Lady Pilot 4x4 team was able to hold their own against a tough field. The team came away with a top 20 finish and returns all four ladies this coming season. With the loss of just one Senior among these athletes and four overall; the Pilots are looking forward to the possibilities of the 2007-2008 season. Run Throw Jump would like to say congrats to the 2007 National Outdoor qualifiers and wish them, as well as current and new Pilots great success this coming season.
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