MARION, Ind.— The Montreat men's and women's track & field programs finished their time at the 2024 NAIA Men's and Women's Outdoor Track & Field Championships with two finals, notching as many All-American performances on Friday.
 
Dylan Branch started the day with his All-American effort in the men's 3,000m steeplechase final. The senior shaved .27 seconds off his own school record in the event to place third out of the 14 participants. Branch's result added six points to the Cavaliers' team score.
 
"I'm really grateful just to be here. I'm thankful for my coaches and my teammates to help me get through this season and last year of running. I can't thank God enough for giving me this opportunity to shine His light through my running," stated Branch.
 
Fresh off a national championship in the long jump on Thursday, Dustin Blevins tallied the 13^th All-American showing of his career with a seventh-position result in the triple jump. Blevins made the final with a leap of 15.10m before using his last jump of 15.24m to register his placement. The nod contributed two points to the team score.
 
"It was fitting that those were our last two competitors today. They both went out with a great effort. I'm really proud of them- not just for what they've accomplished as athletes but for representing our school so well over the past five years. They've done it with character and integrity and have been great teammates. We're grateful for them and they'll leave a huge hole to fill," said Director of Cross Country and Track & Field Jason Lewkowicz.
 
Overall, the Cavalier men totaled 18 team points to end nationals tied for 15^th with three other schools out of 78 scoring teams. Ali Ray's seventh-place result in the women's 10,000m race on Wednesday earned the Montreat women two points as the Cavs tied for 53^rd position of 68 scoring squads.
 
For full results from the 2024 NAIA Men's and Women's Outdoor Track & Field Championships, click here.