PUEBLO, CO- It was an eventful and successful final day at the Outdoor Track & Field National Championships hosted by CSU Pueblo. Matthew Storer and Josh Pierantoni competed in the 5000m finals, and late dramatics added to an already compelling race.
Two nights after taking 4th and 5th respectively in the 10k, Storer and Pierantoni looked to make it two All American nods in one meet as they faced a loaded field in the 5k. The two stayed consistent throughout the race, and as the final bell rang for the last lap, they were both in excellent position for high placing.
That was where the drama came in. A mistake from the officials saw them ring the final lap bell a lap too early. Pierantoni came in second and Storer in fourth, but then the officials realized the mistake they had made and every runner was required to run another lap to complete the full distance of the 5k. After a thrilling 400m, Storer pulled into second for an incredible finish with a time of 14:17.37. Pierantoni came in just behind in third place with a mark of 14:22.47. It was a historical finish as the pair claimed All American honors in the second event of the National Championships. With the final running sport of the season wrapping up, Storer has four All American honors across cross country, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field. Pierantoni claimed his third of the season and second in Outdoor Track & Field.
The incredible performance from the CCU pair allowed Colorado Christian to claim a 15th place finish with 23 points as a team. They beat traditional powerhouses and RMAC foes UCCS and Western Colorado as they posted their strongest team finish ever at the National Championships. With seven runners competing, the Cougars took down many teams with much more athletes taking part as they overcame the odds and made history.
It was quite the season for Colorado Christian, as they sent the most runners in program history to the National Championships with seven. Four All Americans were claimed at Nationals as they finished on a strong note and made the entire CCU community proud. They will look to keep the momentum going as they return many talented runners next year. It has been a memorable spring season for Cougars Athletics, and Track & Field made sure to close it out in fantastic fashion at Nationals.
