The Bethany College outdoor track and field team wrapped up their 2016 season Thursday at day one of the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. The Swedes were led by Miranda Burton, who placed fifth in the javelin to earn her third career NAIA All-American honor.
Burton finished fifth in the women’s javelin at 46.15m (151′ 5 ΒΌ). She nailed 41.27m in her first round before recording 41.78m in round two. Round three Burton hit 42.17m, and in round four she tossed 40.11m. Her best throw came in the fifth round when she launched 46.15m before ending with a 44.23m on her final throw. Burton’s fifth round throw broke the Bethany College school javelin record for the seventh time this season, and secured her fifth place. Her fifth place finish crowned Burton as a three-time NAIA All-American.
Earlier this season, Burton won the KCAC Championship in the women’s javelin with a mark of 45.43m, which was both a Bethany College school record and a KCAC meet record.
“We had a great finish to our outdoor season at Nationals,” said head coach Aaron Yoder. “We had competitors in the women’s javelin and the men’s 4×100 relay. Senior Miranda Burton capitalized on her final competition as a Swede as she became an All-American for the third time. She finished with a lifetime best and another school record of 46.15 meters, nearly three meters farther than last year at Nationals. She broke the javelin school record seven times this season, capping off a sensational senior campaign. We are so proud of Miranda Burton and the individual that she has become over the last four years. I am excited to see what she will do in the next phase of life. Coach Hoke has done a tremendous job as her coach and with all the throwers. He coached three conference champions and an All-American this year.”
The Swedes men’s 4x100m relay team consisted of Noah Smucker, Ricky Alexander, Adrian Covington, and Malcom Jenkins. The group recorded a time of 43.26 seconds, which earned them an 18th place finish.
“Our men’s 4×100 team ran a personal best with this team with a time of 43.26,” Yoder said. “We will return all legs for next year and will be excited to see what they can do next year.”
