McPHERSON COLLEGE

Marion, Ind. – The McPherson College track and field team had two athletes competing in day one of the three-day NAIA Outdoor track and field National Championships. Sophomore Javier Ceja finished 15th in the men’s 10,000-meters, while sophomore David Parry earned a spot in the second preliminary round of the 800-meter dash.

Ceja had a strong performance in his first of two events at the national meet, as the California native finished 15th of 33 runners with a time of 32.23.60. Ceja’s finish was the best amongst the KCAC competitors as he beat out Dan Neidlinger and Matt Ditzler of Friends University. The champion at the men’s 10,000-meters, freshman Kennedy Kithuka of Wayland Baptist University, crossed the finish line with a time of 29:31.99.

Sophomore David Parry continues his Cinderella season as he propelled himself into the second round of preliminaries races with a 1:54.64 in the men’s 800-meters. Parry was 15th of 18 competitors that advance to the next round. Parry’s 1:54.64 is his second fastest time of the season. Oklahoma Christian University sophomore Silas Kisorio posted the top qualifying time with a 1:51.53.

The McPherson College track team continues competition on Friday beginning at 1:00 p.m.