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EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (May 23, 2009) - Oklahoma Christian University freshman Silas Kisorio won the men's 800 meters at the NAIA Men's and Women's Outdoor Track and Field National Championships Saturday.
This is Kisorio's first national championship and the 24th in the history of the Oklahoma Christian track and field program. OC's Josh Wayland captured the NAIA title in the indoor 1,000 meters earlier this year.
Kisorio racked up three All-America honors at this weekend's national meet. In addition to his 800-meter championship (in a time of 1:49.42), he placed a close second in the 1,500 meters on Saturday (3:45.63) and was part of OC's 4x800-meter relay team that ran to a runnerup finish on Friday.
"Silas caught everybody's attention. He's really talented, and he's a great team player. Between the trials, semifinals and finals, he ran five 800s and two 1,500s in three days," head coach Randy Heath said. "He lost a shoe in the 1,500 today and still finished second. Then, to come back after that and win the 800 was just a tremendous effort. It's always special when somebody wins an event."
OC's special Saturday began with a pair of All-America performances on the women's side. Senior Nicole Lair placed second in the marathon with a time of 3:09.05. It was OC's highest national finish in the event since Peggy Murphy won it in 1991 and 1993.
"Nicole didn't know what to expect. The goal in the marathon is just to finish," Heath said. "To cap her career by making All-American - and making it in marathon - is just outstanding."
Sophomore Denise Mattoon placed sixth in the shot put with a toss of 13.63 meters. It was the best-ever national finish for an OC athlete in the event and Mattoon's second All-America honor of the meet; she was fourth in the hammer throw on Thursday.
Saturday also saw two outstanding OC seniors conclude their collegiate careers. Two-time All-American Charlotte Heron suffered an injury on her first approach in the high jump and was unable to compete after finishing sixth and second, respectively, in the event the past two years.
The foursome, along with senior Curtis Pratt - who ran in place of Wayland in the preliminary heat - earned All-America honors with their second-place showing.
On Thursday, Mattoon captured fourth place and All-America honors in the hammer throw to highlight OC's first day at nationals. Mattoon's throw of 52.53 meters earned her a tie for the eighth-highest national finish by an OC female in school history.
The Eagles finished 12th overall with 26 points while the Lady Eagles finished 16th in the women's competition with 16 points. The 42 combined points were the most in OC history.
"It's outstanding to rank like that with three women and six men entered. We had really good performances and it was a excellent meet for us overall," Heath said.
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