Alade Takes Fourth in High Jump, Extends All-America Streak to Nine Meets

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Brookings, S.D.–Mofiyinfoluwa Alade (So., Hoffman Estates, Ill.) saved his best jump for the biggest stage of the year as he earned All-America status at the NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championships Friday and Saturday.

Alade became the 21st All-American in men’s program history as he placed fourth in the high jump with a career-best mark of 6-8.75. His effort helped William Penn to four points; the men finished in a tie for 47th.

Brandon Ruffin of St. Francis (Ill.) won the title at 6-9.75, while Indiana Tech claimed the team crown with 56 points.

With Alade’s award, the Statesmen have now claimed an All-America honor in nine-consecutive national championships, dating back to the 2015 indoor campaign.

Tristen Elmore (Jr., Ovied, Fla., Physical Education) also competed in the high jump, ending up 28th at 6-5.5.

Kayla Music (Fr., Corpus Christi, Texas) and Chris Leiba (Jr., Olympia, Wash., Business Management) both battled in their respective 60-meter dash events. Unfortunately, neither individual was able to reach the finals.

Music was 27th out of 35 runners in a time of 7.85 seconds, while Devin Johnson of Wayland Baptist (Texas) was first in 7.53 seconds. Leiba finished 22nd out of 25 sprinters at 6.99; Kejavon Moore (Indiana Tech) won gold at 6.66.

Sage Ehresman (Jr., Sully, Iowa, Exercise Science) finished off WPU’s entrants as he placed 19th out of 25 athletes in the shot put field at 49-5.5. Brennan Coil of Indiana Wesleyan was the national champion at 60-1.

“I am very proud of how our athletes competed this weekend,” Head Coach Allen Friesen said. “I am also extremely excited for our men’s program that we were able to keep the All-America streak alive.”