Shawnee, Oklahoma – May 14,2017 – For the majority of the Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) track team the season is officially over with the conclusion of the National Christian Colleges Athletics Association’s National Outdoor Championships . Six SAGU Lions competed on the national stage at Oklahoma Baptist University .
SAGU was led by the only male to have competed at the NCCAA’s before in Jerry Nava . Nava not only scored both of SAGU’s points, but did so by breaking his own school record in the 10,000m. Nava had two 8 th place finishes. In the 10k he finished with a time of 33:21.51. He also finished his highly decorated track career with his other 8 th place finish in the 10k.
This was Nava’s last official time on a track, but he will be running at the NAIA Marathon (a road race) later in May. Head Coach Jason Covarrubias is proud of how the standout performed, “Jerry had an excellent weekend. It’s difficult to double in the 10k and 5k with less than 20 hours of recovery at this level. He stepped up and earned some skins on the wall.”
Nava will be competing alongside freshman standout Robert Herrera in the marathon. While at the NCCAA Track Championships, Herrera also competed in the in the 10,000m and set a new personal best by over 1:15 with the time of 34:13.46. With that time, Herrera finished in 10 th place.
“I am proud of Robert, he competed very, very well. He belongs on this stage and it is good to know that the 10k will be in good hands for three more years,” says Coach Covarrubias.
Senior captain Jose Campos also competed in his final track meet of his career and did so in fine fashion. Campos competed in three different events; 800m, 1500m, and as the third leg on the 4x800m. He posted the fastest 1500m ever ran in SAGU history with the time of 4:04.20. He finished in 14 th place. Teammates Cody Walker finished the 1500 in 22 nd place (4:10.08) and Raul Olmos finished in 25 th (4:14.00).
Covarrubias acknowledges that his senior leadership of Nava and Campos will be missed next season, but he is excited to see what is to come, “I am super proud of what we have built here in just four seasons. It is crazy to imagine what we will look like without these seniors next year, but know one thing—we are in good hands! The future is bright for these young lions, God is good and so are they. What a great weekend.
For a full look at final scores, visit : http://www.obubison.com/documents/2017/5/13//2017_nccaa_final_results.pdf?id=1785
About SAGU:
Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a private, Christian university located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. The university was established in 1927, and now offers more than 70 associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campus or online. More information is available at www.sagu.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.
