Milligan’s men’s and women’s indoor track and field teams made their mark at the NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championships, capturing two national records, four national titles and earning eight All-American honors during the three-day meet Feb. 27–Mar. 1 in Gainesville, Florida.
The team’s efforts marked the highest finish in program history for the men’s squad, which placed fifth overall. Among the standouts was senior Bryn Woodall, who clinched the national title in the men’s 1-mile race with a time of 4:01. Not only was Woodall’s performance the fastest NAIA time in the event to date, but it broke a record that had stood for 15 years.
“It was certainly the best indoor nationals I’ve ever had, and it’s nice to finish my Milligan indoor career with two convincing wins,” Woodall said. “The other Milligan lads ran so well too—I can’t wait to race with them again this outdoor season.”
On the women’s side, junior Ellen-Mary Kearney captured her first individual national title by winning the 3,000-meter race in 9:38.57.
“Going into the race, I felt quite a lot of pressure as I was the favorite to win. During the race, I focused on staying with the lead pack and, as the bell rang for the last lap, I just started sprinting as fast as I could,” Kearney said. “I was delighted—and relieved—to cross the finish line in first place. It’s my first national title and I am so very happy!”
Photo 1: Woodall Nationals, by Courtney Klatt
Photo 2: Kearney Nationals, by Courtney Klatt
by Alissa Smith