Kearney crushes field for 10k national title
Emily Kearney won the national title in the 10k by nearly two minutes to highlight day one of Milligan University’s trip to the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships on Wednesday.
GULF SHORES, Ala. (May 26, 2021) – Emily Kearney won the national title in the 10k by nearly two minutes to highlight day one of Milligan University's trip to the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships on Wednesday.
Kearney's time of 34:07.91 marked an NAIA championship record as she secured her fifth national title and the Milligan track & field program's 12th national title.
The Buffs competed in two other events. Gabrielle Mardis easily advanced to the final of the 3k steeplechase, and Rebecca Glover, Gracie Allen, Caitlin Dominy and Valentina Kenjeres finished their season in the trial of the 4x800 meter relay despite a breakthrough leg of 2:16.86 from Allen. Mardis took third in her heat, 10th overall, while the 4x800 team took 18th overall in the national field.
"A really strong first day for the Buffs," Head Coach Chris Layne said. "I think everything played out as expected. Obviously it was so good to see Emily get the win and the record, and I thought Gabby did a fantastic job in the prelim of the steeple. That was a good 4x8 squad, so they were able to get valuable experience for down the road, and what a great leg from Gracie. That should give her a great deal of confidence."
Events are set to continue Thursday and Friday at Mickey Miller Blackwell Stadium. For the complete list of events left for Milligan, please see below. All times are eastern daylight time.
Thursday, May 27
4:50 p.m. – Men's 800 prelim
8:45 p.m. – Women's 5k prelim
9:35 p.m. – Men's 5k prelim
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