Steinmetz Runs to Third All-American Honor

ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- After enduring two days of lightning and rain delays, Grace Steinmetz finally stepped onto the Karl 

Strauss track at UNC-Asheville at 9 PM on Thursday evening and came home with her third All-American honor of the year. This time it was the NAIA outdoor track and field championships and Steinmetz ran to a sixth-place finish in the 10,000-meter run, crossing the line in 36:33.97. The top eight finishers are recognized as All-Americans. Steinmetz returns to the track on Friday afternoon to contest the 5,000-meter run. 

Earlier in the day, Ronald Kipyegon became the Bruin's first ever outdoor championships track athlete as he contested the 800 m run. Kipyegon ran to a 1:52.82 finish in his preliminary heat but was unable to qualify for the finals. 

The previous day saw another first as the Bruin women's 4 x 800 relay team was the first national relay qualifier. The team of Maggie Boley, Wren Hofacket, Alicia Rivera Camargo and Steinmetz performed well but again were unable to advance to the finals with a 9:28.87 finish. 

"I'm really proud of the way our athletes competed here," commented head coach Craig Christians. It's tough to go through multiple warm-ups and have your preparation interrupted by these rain delays, but they've handled it perfectly. It's a big stage but everyone stepped on the track and performed at a very high level. All of their efforts here have been near their seasons best."