Six Buffs proceed to final on day two of national championships
Six Buffaloes advanced to the finals of their respective events on day two of the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships late Thursday night. Milligan University’s Tim Thacker advanced in the 800 meters, Emily Kearney, Bekah Owen and Avery DeWolf advanced in the women’s 5k, and Nathan Baker and Aaron Jones advanced in the men’s 5k.
GULF SHORES, Ala. (May 27, 2021) – Six Buffaloes advanced to the finals of their respective events on day two of the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships late Thursday night. Milligan University's Tim Thacker advanced in the 800 meters, Emily Kearney, Bekah Owen and Avery DeWolf advanced in the women's 5k, and Nathan Baker and Aaron Jones advanced in the men's 5k.
Thacker started the day off well, producing the top preliminary time across all three heats in 1:51.62. All three women to compete in the 5k followed suit, with Kearney fresh off a 10k national title yesterday nabbing the top time in the 5k in 17:13.09. Owen qualified fifth in 17:37.96 while DeWolf qualified 13th in 17:44.92. Baker and Jones rounded out the event shortly thereafter with times of 14:50.15 and 14:54.93 to grab spots three and 11, respectively.
Finishing the season in the men's 5k were Jake Crow (14:59.40) and Eli Cramer (15:02.66) who landed 18th and 20 in the final national field of 40.
Friday is set to conclude this year's national championships, and the Buffaloes will have plenty competing. For the complete list of Milligan events, please see below. All times are eastern daylight time.
Friday, May 28
7 a.m. – Marathon FINAL
3 p.m. – Women's 3k Steeplechase FINAL
6 p.m. – Men's 800 FINAL
6:30 p.m. – Women's 5k FINAL
6:55 p.m. – Men's 5k FINAL