MARION, IN – The Spring Arbor University, Lady Cougars competed against the largest and most powerful field ever at the NCCAA National Championships over the weekend.  10 National records and three Indiana Wesleyan Fieldhouse records were set during the 2 day National meet at the University.  Spring Arbor University finished the event with 17 points placing them 13^th overall out of 31 total teams.  Only 22 teams were able to score points in the meet.

All-American Honors were earned by senior Carissa Hudson in the mile as she placed 3^rd in a time of 5:07.68.  Hudson raced against 18 other competitors in two separate heats.

The 4 x 800m relay team also placed 3^rd with a time of 9:48.10 qualifying them for the NAIA National Championships held in Geneva, OH March 1-2.  The relay team was consisted of Faith Gunderson, Paige Albert, Mary Lehman, and Sarah Fredrick.

Other scorers for the Lady Cougars were Vanessa Rogers in the pole vault placing 5^th at 11'0 setting a new school record in the process.  Meg Joiner finished 8^th in the pentathlon competing 5 events in one day for the inaugural pentathlon in the NCCAA's.  Joiner would come back the next day in the triple jump just missing the school record by 2 inches with a jump of 33' 1 1/4".

Spring Arbor University's All-Time list makers:

4 x 200m relay team of Ashley Morris, Andrea Finkbeiner, Jessica Lee, and Lindsey Prether  in the relay for 4^th all-time with a time of 1:50.39.  Kelly Tripp made the all-time list in the triple jump with a leap of 31'10".

"This meet was the strongest competition the NCCAA's has seen in track and field," said Coach Mark Miller.  "It was exciting to watch our young ladies, and men, compete against the best in the country.

The Ladies that qualified for the NAIA National Indoor will head to Geneva, OH for the meet held February 28 – March 2.