Kearney wins 5k title, outstanding performer

GULF SHORES, Ala. (May 28, 2021) – Emily Kearney ran away with another national championship title, and the Milligan University track & field team took a pair of top-25 finishes home on Friday. Kearney's 5k title came alongside Wednesday's 10k title and helped her earn outstanding performer at the national championships, leading Milligan to 13th on the women's side. Milligan's men finished 21st.

Kearney was the first of six All-American efforts the Buffs put forth at this year's national championship. Alex Mortimer claimed All-American in the marathon, Tim Thacker in the 800 meters, Kearney and Bekah Owen in the 5k and Nathan Baker in the 5k.

"It is not just about this championship. This is about the last year and a half," Head Coach Chris Layne said. "These kids never wavered during one of the most trying times they will ever experience, and they stepped up and put together the best string of national championships our program has ever seen. We saw blood, sweat, tears, joy and a tremendous amount of fight every time they stepped on the field of play. This group are destined to continue this success, whether it is the remaining time they have with us or in the next phase of their life."

Mortimer started the day with an All-American run in the marathon, notching a fourth-place finish in 2:43:35.80. Eli Baldy (2:58:29.50) and Evan Henson (3:01:33.10) followed in 11th and 13th.

In the afternoon session, Gabrielle Mardis took 12th nationally in the 3k steeplechase with a time of 12:07.73.

The Buffaloes then followed with All-American efforts in each of their last three events of the day. Thacker (1:50.88) took third overall in the 800 meters, missing the national title by less than one second.

Kearney followed with her national title in the 5k, winning in 16:09.11 which represented a 35-second victory. Owen (17:26.82) took All-American in eighth while Avery DeWolf (17:59.85) took 12th.

Baker and Aaron Jones closed out the day in the men's 5k, with Baker earning All-American in eighth in 14:55.13. Jones followed ran to 13th in 15:31.35.

"When Emily got to Milligan, I asked her what her goals were for the season. She was very clear it was to win both national titles and break both records," Layne said. "This was going to be a challenge due to the climate at the national meet and the fact that both of those records were set by extremely talented women. She's a special young lady across the board, and it has been an absolute pleasure watching her close out her career like this."

All-Americans

Emily Kearney – 10k
Alex Mortimer – Marathon
Tim Thacker – 800 meters
Emily Kearney – 5k
Bekah Owen – 5k
Nathan Baker – 5k