Wilson Wins Silver at Outdoor Nationals

William Penn University Athletics

Marion, Ind.–Jalen Wilson (So., Desoto, Texas, Undecided) improved upon a great indoor campaign, finishing just over an inch away from the program’s first national title in nearly two decades as he led William Penn at the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships.

Wilson became the seventh male All-American at William Penn by placing second in Friday’s long jump with a mark of 24-2.5. He was only 1.25 inches shy of the winning distance of 24-3.75 by Darrian Mikell of Indiana Wesleyan.

The sophomore’s jump was only two inches away from his school record as well. Now a two-time All-American (the second at WPU), Wilson placed third in the long jump during the indoor season.

Gabriel Green (Sr., Anniston, Ala., Business Management) also wrapped up an unprecedented career with another showing at nationals. The senior sprinter missed out on a finals appearance, placing 21st out of 24 competitors in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.91 seconds.

Alex Edwards (So., Knoxville, Iowa, Secondary Education) had also qualified for nationals in the 800-meter run, but was unable to make the trip due an illness.

Wilson’s runner-up finish gave the Statesmen eight points to tie for 34th in the team standings. An incredible team race came down to the final event. Indiana Tech led by two points entering the 4×400-meter relay and held off Oklahoma Baptist 72-68 by placing one spot higher (teams were second and third), only .43 seconds ahead of its foe. Had the teams been flip-flopped in their finishing order, a tie would have ensued.

Meaghan Foster (Fr., Centerville, Iowa, Undecided), WPU’s lone female qualifier, came up short of placing in the shot put event. The freshman was 21st out of 28 throwers with a distance of 41-11.5.

Indiana Tech completed the sweep of the team titles by easily claiming the women’s crown with 122 points. Oklahoma Baptist was a distant second with 82.75 points.