MARION, Ind.— The Montreat men's and women's track & field teams closed out their three-day trip to Marion, Ind. on Friday with a trio of events at the 2025 U.S. Marines NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Not only did the Cavaliers add an NAIA All-American award in each event, but the women's squad also set a program record for most points and best team finish at the outdoor national meet.
 
On the women's side, the Cavs registered a program-best 26 points thanks to four All-American honors. As a result, the Montreat women's track & field team ended the meet in eighth out of 69 scoring squads. Meanwhile, the Montreat men's track & field team tied for 62^nd out of 69 scoring programs thanks to one All-American effort.
 
Dylan Garcia capped off her remarkable senior campaign with an All-American nod in the women's 1500m final. The Franklin, N.C. native shaved 2.07 seconds off her school record, crossing the finish line in just 4:27.10. Of the 12 competitors in the final, Garcia's personal-best time managed to claim third place on the podium. It also added six points to the Cavaliers' team total.
 
"Two years ago, I really had one of my downs at Indiana Wesleyan—I found out I had a major femur fracture here when I was supposed to run the 4x800m relay," Garcia shared. "Today's race was just a lot about what I can give to God. I'm extremely blessed to be here healthy and have all this love and support. It all truly means a lot."
 
Following in Garcia's footsteps, Heather Murphy also finished third in the women's 5000m final. Grabbing her second All-American award of the meet, Murphy completed her 5k in just 16:56.40. With six more points added to the total, Murphy ultimately scored 14 of the Cavs' 26 team points.
 
"I was so happy with how I performed in this race and how we've worked so well as a team," Murphy noted. "We've improved with each event, and I'm excited to see what happens next year."
 
Ryan Stade and Ethan Stamey wrapped up the week with the men's 5000m final. After placing 13^th in Wednesday's 10k, Stade climbed up to seventh in Friday's 5k. The Marysville, Kan. native garnered All-American status behind his 14:38.78 time. In the 17-participant field, Stamey's 15:18.28 showing proved good enough for 14^th overall.
 
"What a great weekend for our program," said Montreat cross country head coach Rylan Hincher. "For Ryan Stade to come out and represent the men by scoring in the 5k, that's really awesome for our program."
 
For a complete look at results from the 2025 U.S. Marines NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, click here.
 
Due to its performance at the national meet, the Montreat women's track & field team ends the season rated No. 8 in the final United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) NAIA Women's Outdoor Track & Field Rating Index (TFRI). Meanwhile, the Montreat men's track & field team concludes the year at No. 62 in the final men's version of the TFRI.