Seddon Takes 4th, McCastle 7th to Highlight Nationals Trip

William Penn University Athletics

Gulf Shores, Ala.–Thanks to a pair of All-America finishes, the William Penn track and field teams turned a tough start into a terrific outing at the NAIA National Championships Friday.

After two Statesmen qualifiers were unable to get on the podium, Derek Seddon (So., Knoxville, Iowa, Physical Education) and Cornelius McCastle (So., McKinney, Texas, Industrial Technology) accomplished the feat in back-to-back events.

Seddon placed fourth in the discus with a mark of 174-10.25, while the winner was at 187-5. McCastle then tied for seventh in the high jump at 6-9 (winner at 6-11.5). The pair gives the men’s program its 11th and 12th male All-Americans. Both individuals improved from their pre-nationals seeds (Seddon was fifth, McCastle was 20th).

After never having more than one All-American in a single Championship before this year, the Statesmen have posted multiple recipients in consecutive national meets. It is also the fifth time in the last six Championships that the navy and gold have brought home an All-America honor.

Meaghan Foster (Jr., Centerville, Iowa, Physical Education) opened the day by placing 20th in the shot put at 41-10, while CJ Watts (Jr., Rockville, Md., Physical Education) was 21st in the 400-meter dash in a time of 49.56 seconds.

Entering Saturday’s final day of action (WPU is done competing), the William Penn men are 20th in the team standings with six points.