Women's Track & Field Finishes 15th, Men 44th at 2009 NAIA National Championships

By Kyle Trembley, 5/23/09

Coach Steve Scott's track & field team closed out its 2009 season in Edwardsville, Illinois on Saturday's final day of the 2009 NAIA National Championships. 

In total, four Cougar athletes earned All-American honors, as the women's team finished 15th (17 points) while the men tied for 44th (4 points).

Leading the way was Dallon Williams.  The senior did everything she could to become the first repeat national champion in school history, settling for second place in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 10:24.70.

Fellow senior Morgan Sjogren also closed out her outstanding Cougar career on a high note.  She finished 8th in the 5,000-meter run, but it was her 4th place finish in the 10K that made her an All-American.  She clocked in at 36:16.54.

On the men's side, senior Tony Guadagnini made his final meet count, capping off his All-American season with a 5th place finish and a time of 3:49.84 in the 1,500-meter run.

Finally, freshman Caitlin Villarreal represented the underclassmen, earning All-American in the 5,000-meter run by finishing 6th with a time of 17:17.77.

Also competing at Nationals for the Cougars were Dave Edwards, who qualified for the finals of the 1,500 and finished 12th; Jessica Sandoval, who finished 10th in the 5,000-meter finals; Monika Valenzuela in the 200 and 400-meter; Patrick Fitzgerald and Thomas Polhill on the 4x800-meter relay team; Yuto Someya and Kevin Ott Wright in the 400-meter hurdles; Leo Elorza in the marathon; and Ronnie McFadden in the discus, where he took 22nd.

Congratulations to all the Cougar athletes who represented our University at this event and throughout the season!