EMPORIA, Kans. – Fresno Pacific track and field closed out a historic weekend at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships with All-American performances, school records, and national podium finishes as the Sunbirds competed among the nation's best on the final day of competition.
"What a great weekend," mentioned Foster. "I'm so proud of all their efforts and hard work over the course of the year."
The day opened with a huge performance in the men's javelin as freshman standout Tevž Podlipnik secured a national runner-up finish with a personal-best throw of 72.09m. Podlipnik's mark capped off an incredible debut season and solidified his place among the top throwers in Division II. Teammate Dejan Mileusnic also earned a Top-10 national finish, placing ninth overall with a throw of 67.63m.
Senior sprint sensation Shemar Palmer delivered one of the most impressive meets in program history, earning national runner-up finishes in both the 200m and 400m. Palmer blazed to a lifetime-best and school record time of 45.33 in the 400m, further cementing his legacy as one of Fresno Pacific's premier sprinters. Throughout the season, Palmer established himself as a trailblazer for FPU on the national stage, locking his national ranking with several NCAA provisional marks. Not to mention he was named the PacWest Most Outstanding Track Athlete of the Meet honors after capturing conference titles in both the 200m and 400m.
On the women's side, Avril Mendoza soared to a lifetime-best performance in the 400m hurdles, finishing third in the nation with an impressive 57.30 finish to earn All-American honors.
The Sunbirds also shined in the relay events as both women's relay squads secured Top-five national finishes. The 4x100 relay team of Nydia Chance, Avril Mendoza, Shaniya Randolph, and Cyan Haslip placed fifth overall with a time of 45.32. Later in the meet, the 4x400 relay squad of Kenahdi Haslip, Randolph, Mendoza, and Haslip crossed the line in 3:37.14 to finish fifth in the nation.
In field events, Shane Bagley wrapped up his junior campaign among the top 22 pole vaulters in the nation.
As a team, the Sunbird men finished 12th overall in the nation, while the women secured an 18th-place national finish. On top of that, the Sunbirds left their mark at the NCAA Championships with seven All-American honors! The top eight performers in an event claim First Team All-American, while ninth through 16th place earn Second Team honors. The following student-athletes received these honors: Palmer (200m and 400m), Malachi Carrasco (High Jump), Mendoza (400m Hurdles), Podlipnik and Mileusnic in the Javelin, as well as both relay teams.
With head coach Robert Foster at the helm, the Fresno Pacific track and field team prepares for their transfer to the CCAA conference, closing the curtain on one of the most successful seasons in FPU track and field history.
Meet Info
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