5/27/19
(GULF SHORES, Ala.) – The Truett McConnell University men’s track & field team sent eight individuals to the 2019 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships, the most in school history, which took place Thursday – Saturday in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Most notable, freshman Keishon Franklin ran to a fifth-place finish and All-American result in the men’s 400m dash with a time of 47.50. The standout freshman became the first TMU freshman to ever become an All-American. Franklin also qualified individually for the men’s 200m where he placed 22nd (21.72).
The 4x100m relay, featuring Amir Hightower, Franklin, Hoy Thurman IV and Keontrae Clayton, placed 11th with a time of 41.42. The Bears sent another relay, the 4x400m, and they finished 22nd (3:19.74); the relay featured Franklin, Donald Bonner, Donald Swinson and Hoy Thurman.
Bonner punched his second straight trip to nationals in the men’s triple jump this season finishing 23rd with a mark of 13.83m. Sophomore Sharod Cobb also competed at nationals in the men’s 400m hurdles placing 12th of 23 with a time of 53.58.
Fellow sophomore Jose Sanatana rounded out TMU’s nationals results in the men’s marathon with a 39th-place finish (3:30:51.59).
“This week has had many ups and downs but I am proud of everyone who made it to nationals and competed hard in each of their events,” Head Coach Joe Imhoff said. “These athletes are the best in the country and it has been a pleasure coaching them this season and seeing them grow from day one of practice to competing against the best.”
