MARION, Ind.— The Montreat men's and women's track & field teams continued their time at the 2024 NAIA Men's and Women's Outdoor Track & Field Championships on Thursday as the Cavaliers participated in five events. In the end, the performances were highlighted by Dustin Blevins' national championship in the men's long jump.
 
Emma Barnes began day two by completing the remaining three events in the heptathlon. The sophomore leapt 4.69m (16^th) in the long jump to add 477 points before winning the javelin competition by throwing 38.15m for 632 points. Ultimately, Barnes ended 12^th in the 800m with a time of 2:33.34 to earn 652 points, meaning the Waxhaw, N.C. native concluded the seven-event spread in 12^th place with 4,568 total points, breaking her school record in the process.
 
Blevins then took center stage in the men's long jump event. With his first leap, the King, N.C. native bested his school record, jumping to 7.66m to secure first place of 27 athletes. Blevins rode his initial attempt through the final to earn the first national championship for the program since 2020 by defeating second place by .01m. The national championship clinched the 12^th All-American showing of Blevins' career.
 
"This means a lot. I came so close some years and had some tough times and a lot of ups and downs, but I came out here knowing who my competition was and what I can do so I just put it in God's hands. I'm so blessed to have all this support around me and finally be able to make it happen with the help of Coach [Britten Olinger], Sam, Drew, all my teammates and Jess," mentioned Blevins on his title.
 
"If there was one thing I wanted from this week, it would be [Dustin winning a national championship]. For him to come in with the mindset of honoring the Lord, having joy and competing, I was so happy for him to get that," said Director of Cross Country and Track & Field Jason Lewkowicz.
 
On the track, Wyatt Wilson participated in the men's 5,000m race walk final. Crossing in 29:20.61, Wilson concluded 23^rd of 28 athletes. Ali Ray rounded out the track events with the women's 5,000m semi-final where she finished 27^th following her time of 18:04.58.
 
In the last event of the day for Montreat, Jessica Gakeri competed in the women's triple jump. Using a leap of 11.69m, Gakeri tallied a 13^th-place result of 29 athletes.
 
"It's been fun. It was a busy day, which you like at nationals. I'm really proud of this whole group and it's been a great week with all of them so far," added Lewkowicz.
 
For up-to-date results from the national championships, click here.
 
Track & field ends its time at the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships with two finals tomorrow, starting with the men's 3,000m steeplechase at 1:20 p.m.