NAIA Preview (5-13-07)

May 13, 2007

Lamoni, IA- With both the school year and the track and field season quickly dwindling, the Graceland University men’s and women’s track teams still have a few athletes with honors and national competition still on their minds.

Ben Brummit and James Thomas, both All-Americans during the indoor track and field season, will look to achieve those honors along with 5K school-record holder Jaclyn Keil also planning a trip to the NAIA National Championships later this month. Hosted by Fresno Pacific University, GU will compete at the 56th annual NAIA National Championships on May 24th-26th .

Brummit, who posted an impressive fourth place finish during the indoor season in the men’s heptathlon, will compete in the men’s decathlon after winning the HAAC championship and qualifying for the national competition.

Thomas, an Orlando, Florida native and a two-sport standout for the Blue and Gold as he also competes on the gridiron as a defensive back, will take part in the 100 meter dash at the National Championships. The #1 qualifier heading into the HAAC 100 meter finals, Thomas was forced out due to injury and hopes to be healthy enough to put forth a solid effort in Fresno.

A senior out of Rosemont, Minnesota, Keil will be taking part in her first National Championship for track and field. A conference champion in the 5K, Keil also qualified for nationals during the cross country season last fall. The Graceland record-holder in the women’s 5K at just over 18:10, Keil looks to finish out her Yellowjacket career with a solid showing at the National Championships in a few weeks.

Along with the trio of talented athletes heading to California, they will be joined by head coach Kent Allshouse and assistant coach Wayne Stacy as they look to guide these three athletes to elite finishes for the 2007 season.

Stay tuned to GU Athletics Online for full coverage and recaps of the National Championships in a few weeks.


For More Information on Graceland University Athletics Contact:
Michael Brown, Sports Information Director
(641) 784-5318
mibrown@graceland.edu