[Track and Field] Wilson named All-American, other Cavs represent at indoor track & field ...
BROOKINGS, S.D. – Lydia Wilson earned her fourth career All-American honor, and five members of the men's squad represented well at the 2019 NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships this past weekend at Dakota State University.
Wilson kicked things off on Thursday by winning her heat in the women's 5000 meter prelims to automatically advance to the finals on Saturday. In the finals, she finished fifth with a school record and personal best time of 17:45.91 to earn her second indoor All-American honor and fourth career honor overall.
Caleb Silver made his indoor nationals debut with a top-five overall finish in the men's 1000 meter prelims. The sophomore's time of 2:31.18 set a new school record and crushed his previous personal best by two seconds. Silver missed the finals and All-American status by just one spot.
Micah Matheson, the conference champion in men's pole vault, cleared 4.50 meters in the event before missing his three attempts at 4.65 meters.
Israel Diaz finished the men's high jump in a tie for 24th with a mark of 1.94 meters. Diaz gained some great experience as one of very few of freshmen in the field.
Antonio Gomez has battled an injury since the week before the conference championships and has lost some fitness that got him the national qualifying standard, but he prevailed to finish the men's 1000 meter. "We wanted him to make the trip regardless and get the experience, as he is capable of returning to nationals for the outdoor season," said Jason Lewkowicz, director of track and field.
Ahmad Perryman competed well as he is just now coming back from illness that hit the week of the conference championships. The sophomore finished 14th in the men's 400 meter dash prelims with a time of 48.96.
"Overall, this was a good experience for our group. With such a young group of guys there (three sophomores and two freshmen), it was all about getting experience at a national championship and bringing back what they learned to the team as we head into the outdoor season," said Coach Lewkowicz. "Lydia had a standout week, earning her fourth All-American honor overall in a very gutsy 5k performance. Caleb Silver also had a tremendous effort in the 1k. We had a great time together, and look forward to getting back with the whole team as we set our sights on the outdoor season."
Up Next: The Cavs look ahead to outdoor season that begins with the Lenoir-Rhyne Invitational on Mar. 15.