May 14, 2021 | Men's Track & Field
A national champion and six All-Americans define successful NCCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship for CIU
GREENVILLE, Ill. - CIU's men's track and field team added some hardware on Friday on the final day of the NCCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. On top of one 1st place finish, the Rams added several NCCAA All-American performances to the history books.
As expected, the Rams were stellar in the men's pole vault as both John Hunter James and Blake Rimmer had podium finishes while both athletes also recorded their first NCCAA All-American honors. James captured the top spot coming in at 5.05m in the event as he added an NCCAA Pole Vault National Championship to his ever-growing list of accolades. Rimmer seized 3rd place with a height of 4.75 while qualifying for the NAIA Outdoor Championships.
Jonathan Hicks represented CIU in the men's hammer throw, where he finished in 12th with a distance of 39.69.
On the track, CIU continued to impress on the national stage as Ethan Robinson added NCCAA All-American to his resume coming in 2nd in the 200m. Robinson notched a time of 22.11 as he reached the podium for the Rams.
Elsewhere on the track, Tavarres Berrian finished 6th in the NCCA in the 400m at 50.56. However, Berrian's 4x400 relay team consisting of Ethan Robinson, Clayton Hammonds, and Malik Beaver did reach the podium coming in 3rd the event. The four athletes combined for a time of 3:23.54.
As a team, CIU finished 6th overall as the Rams had their first top ten finish in the NCCAA in program history.
Head Coach Jud Brooker was elated, saying, "Wow, the men killed it! I was impressed by Ethan achieving All-American status in the 200m and the men doing the same in 4x400. I was excited to see John Hunter and Blake finish as All-Americans after a long, tough year. I'm so proud of these guys!"
CIU Men's Track & Field All-Americans
John Hunter James
Blake Rimmer
Ethan Robinson
Tavarres Berrian
Clayton Hammonds
Malik Beaver
