STU track and field athletes make history during recent National Championships

History was made by St. Thomas University (STU) track and field athletes recently at the NAIA Track and Field National Championships in Orange Beach, Alabama and at Mickey Miller Blackwell Stadium.
Jose Penalver highlights the list becoming the first NAIA First Team All-American in program history and holding the highest finish in the Top-10. He clinched the overall seventh spot in the 800-meter (1:53.66). The Venezuelan native is a sophomore and in his first year at STU. When asked how he felt on the big accomplishment, Penalver said, “I am happy, I can’t wait to continue to grow a legacy and later a dynasty for the 800-meter event.”
Susana Gutierrez clinches the position for the first NAIA Second Team All-American with a 13th place finish in the marathon (3:28:25.31). Gutierrez continues to add to her resume at STU with her second NAIA Nationals appearance in the same year (Cross Country).
So far this year Gutierrez has clinched the first ranking in program history for both Cross Country and Track and Field while also making it’s first berth in both respective sports.
The accomplishments rounded out with Leslie Marcin and Sarah Bomkamp Marcin recording a 12th overall finish in the 1,500-meter and Bomkamp finished the marathon with a 32nd overall finish.
“Although we thought we were coming out higher, I am extremely proud of this team and how much they have accomplished from one year to the next. The best is yet to come, and we are ready for it,” said head coach Carlos Maymi.