Women's team moves up in standings after day two of Outdoor Nationals

Levelland, Texas - The Mesa track & field team wrapped up day two of competition at the NJCAA Outdoor National Championships, with the women's team moving up in the team standings to fourth place after a dominant performance in the 3000 meter steeplechase.

Mary Siml and Ellis Collins earned All-American honors in the steeplechase, with Siml being crowned the national champion in the event after running a time of 11:25.40 and Collins being right behind her for national runner-up after running a time of 11:33.45. Both of them were well ahead of the third-place finisher (11:48.48). This marks the first time in school history that Mesa has had a national champion and a national runner-up in this event. Their effort added 18 points to the women's team total, which now sits at 34 points after day two. Tanaeya Johnson also competed in the event, placing ninth overall with a time of 12:37.32.

"I can't express how proud I am of Mary and Ellis. They were very assertive in taking control of the race early on and never looked back. It has been their goal to finish first and second at this meet since their first steeple race, and they went out and executed. It's a great day for the Thunderbird program" says Coach Daniel Pescador.

Noah Miller placed 12th in the men's shot put final with a mark of 14.70 meters (48 feet, 2.75 inches). Caden Resendez was 12th in the men's 3000 meter steeplechase final with a time of 10:05.97. Andrew McCumber was 17th in 1500 meter prelims with a time of 4:05.10. Noah Clark (2:00.34) and Geoffrey Grossthal (2:01.52) ran in the 800 meter prelims and placed 30th and 33rd respectively.

With the final day of competition taking place tomorrow, the T-Birds will have athletes competing in the men's & women's discus final, the men's 400 meter final, and the men's & women's 5000 meter final.

NJCAA Outdoor Nationals Live Results