The Milligan men’s indoor track and field team secured its fourth consecutive AAC Championship with a record-breaking 260 points, the highest score in AAC indoor and outdoor championship history. The Milligan women’s team placed third with 102 points.
Both teams delivered standout performances at the two-day meet, held at JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, earning one national record, five championship records, seven national qualifying marks, 13 AAC titles, 25 personal bests, and 26 All-Conference honors.
Senior Bryn Woodall and junior Ellen-Mary Kearney led the way with record-setting performances.
Woodall set a new NAIA record in the 1,000 meters (2:23.74)—the fastest time in NAIA history—while also establishing facility and collegiate records. He broke AAC meet records in the mile and 3,000 meters and contributed to the winning distance medley relay (DMR) team. Earning four gold medals, Woodall was named Most Outstanding Athlete.
“It was a great conference meet for the team, with lots of PRs and great performances. It’s always nice to get a team win,” Woodall said. “I’m personally very happy with how I ran, especially with the 1K record, but for now, I’m just focusing on nationals at the end of this month.”
Kearney also dominated on the track, breaking meet records in the 600, 1,000, and 3,000 meters while also contributing to the winning DMR. She leads the AAC in the 600, 800, mile, and 3,000 meters and ranks in the top four in the NAIA in the 800, 1,000, mile, and 3,000 meters. Kearney also set a new AAC record in the 600 meters and added multiple Milligan records to her name.
“I was obviously delighted to run a new PR and break the school record in the 1K,” Kearney said. “It was my first event out of four, so it really got me off to a good start. It’s a great confidence booster knowing I’m in good shape with nationals just around the corner.”
Milligan athletes will advance to compete at the NAIA Indoor Track & Field Championships in Gainesville, Florida, which will begin on Feb. 27.
Photo 1: Kearney running, Photo by Jayci Brauman
Photo 2: Woodall running, Photo by Jayci Brauman
by Alissa Smith