Leiba Wins Third Weekly Accolade

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Oskaloosa–Chris Leiba (Jr., Olympia, Wash., Business Management) was the fastest athlete on the oval last weekend and for his efforts he was named Heart of America Athletic Conference Men’s Track Athlete of the Week Monday.

Leiba collected his third career laurel (all this season) after putting on a sprinting display for the ages last Saturday at the Central Methodist Invitational.

The junior was a part of three event titles, but that was just the tip of the iceberg for his achievements. He took the 200-meter title with a solid time of 21.80 seconds, but his 100 victory in 10.51 seconds came with extra flair as he both qualified for nationals (automatic standard) and broke a school record that had stood for 34 years.

As if that were not enough, Leiba was a member of the 4×100-meter relay team as well. The squad, which won in a time of 41.29 seconds, matched his own individual accomplishment by eclipsing the ‘A’ standard and also setting a new program mark which was held since 1986 (tied in 2017).

Within the Heart, Leiba currently ranks first in the 100 and the 4×1 and second in the 200, while nationally he is sixth in the 100 and the 4×1 and 30th in the 200.

The award is the third for WPU this year.