Thune is All-American

FRESNO ? Vanguard University senior Jenny Thune finished her college career with a fifth-place finish in the 1,500 meters at the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships, earning All-American honors.

Thune’s time of 4 minutes, 37.51 seconds, while not a personal-best, was her fastest time of the season. By placing top six in the race, she earned her fourth All-America award of her career at Vanguard.

Vanguard’s freshman duo of Grace Jepngetich and Rebecca Sopp competed in the 5,000-meter final, with Jepngetich placing eighth and Sopp finishing 13th.

Jepngetich, the Golden State Athletic Conference champion in the event, started out strong but ran out of gas with three laps to go. Initially fighting for second place, she slipped out of All-America consideration and finished in 17:48.98. Sopp, who had already competed in the 10,000 meters and 5,000-meter semifinals, came in with a solid time of 18:20.14.

The Lions’ Laura Bowman ran ninth in the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase final, finishing in 11:41.33.

The Vanguard women ended with five points to finish in a tie for 40th place. Missouri Baptist won the women’s team title with 126 points, followed by Azusa Pacific with 79.

On the men’s side Vanguard senior Matt Meyer finished his college career with an 11th place finish in the men’s 1,500 meters in 4:06.92.

Dickinson State (N.D.) won the men’s team championship with 102 points, followed by Lindenwood (Mo.) with 89.

TRACK AND FIELD