Emporia

Emporia, Kan. – Sophomore David Parry qualified for the NAIA National Outdoor Track Meet for the first time in his career, as seven members of the McPherson College track and field team competed at the Emporia State University Sam Williams Qualifier on Saturday.

Entering the day, Parry’s personal record (1:57.16) in the 800-meters was just seconds off the NAIA National ‘B’ Standard qualifying mark. The Morganville, Kan., native ran his best race of the season with a third place finish, but more importantly he shaved three seconds off his previous record to qualify for the NAIA National Outdoor Track Meet with a 1:54.06 finish. This marks Parry’s first career qualification for the national meet.

Fellow sophomore Javier Ceja bettered his national qualifying status in the men’s 5,000-meters with a 14:51.79, his fastest time of the season. Ceja will compete nationally in both the 5,000-meters and 10,000-meters.