MARION, IN – Spring Arbor University's men's track and field team didn't have strength in numbers but they made the most out of what they brought to the NAIA National Championships hosted by Indiana Wesleyan University.  The Cougars placed eighth in the Nation in the NAIA with only three athletes earning points for SAU.

Nathan Martin was crowned the National Champion in two long distance events, the 10,000 meter and Marathon events earning 10 points for each event for 20 points towards the Cougars tally.

And Tim Canfield and Jeremy Rogers finished second, and tied for fifth respectively in the Pole Vault for the Cougars.  Canfield earned eight points for SAU and Rogers picked up the final three and a half points to round out Spring Arbor's 31.5 points.

Martin's exploits have been well chronicled.  You can read about his 10,000 meter victory here and his marathons victory here.

Rogers and Canfield have gone back and forth all season long in the vault, and it was Canfield who took charge with clutch third-try determination.

Rogers was eliminated on the 4.9m height after clearing 4.6m on his second attempt and 4.75 on his first attempt.  Rogers looked as if he had 4.9 cleared by a wide margin but tipped the bar on his way down for a tie for fifth spot.

A highly respected athlete, Rogers' elimination brought cheers from the crowd and a nice ovation from his fellow competitors as a sign of respect as one who could have gone for the top spot.

Canfield passed on the 4.6 meter height, cleared 4.75 on his second attempt, and the drama started for Canfield as he cleared 4.9m and 5.05m both on his third attempts.

"I was fortunate when I cleared the bar on my last jump," said Canfield.  "The bar actually rolled on the peg and I thought it was going to come down, but it stayed.  But, I'll take it!"

Both Canfield and first place finisher Easton Padden from Carroll University (WI) failed to clear 5.2 and the top spot was awarded to Padden as he had less misses in the event than Canfield.

With Martin's 20 points in the Championship, and being only the second athlete in the history of the NAIA to win both long distance races, Martin was awarded the Male Athlete of the Championship.  It was the second time this year at a National Meet for Martin to receive this honor.  Martin was also named the Male Athlete of the Meet at the NCCAA National Indoor Championship earlier this year.