BROOKINGS, S.D. - Grace's track and field team made history at the 2020 NAIA Indoor National Championships. The Lancers grabbed numerous All-American honors and set a few school records to end the indoor season. Scroll below to track Grace's success and to see photos from the meet.

DAY ONE - Two records fall for Grace Track



The Lancers set two school records at the national meet on Thursday and had three relays compete.

The men's 4x800-meter relay impressed during the preliminary race, posting a school-record time of 7:48.34. The foursome of Isaac Beatty, Luke Smith, Brady Willard and Kyle Smith secured a spot in Friday's national finals — the first Grace relay ever to run in an NAIA indoor final.

"The guys ran a fantastic race, and we are excited for them to make history on Friday," said Grace head coach Jeff Raymond. "We are extremely proud of the confidence and determination they showed."

The women's 4x400 also set a school record in the prelims. Suzanne Sickafoose, Ashley Stoltzfus, Nordia Campbell and Lyne Camara crossed the finish line in 3:50.78 to qualify for Saturday's championship race.

"This was another impressive race by this group. Each lady ran her season-best relay leg, and now they get to compete in the national finals," Raymond added.

The men's distance relay placed 12th in the preliminary race. Logan Rufenacht, Dylan Felger, Willard and Korry Hamlin recorded a time of 10:30.23.

Grace will have 10 entries on Friday, including the 4x800 men's final.

"This was obviously a great first day at the national championships, probably one of the best days in program history," Raymond concluded. "We have much more ahead tomorrow, and we want to keep this momentum going."



DAY TWO - Brown earns national runner-up in high jump
 

Two events garnered All-American status for Grace's track and field team on Friday at the 2020 NAIA Indoor National Championships.

Isaac Brown was the headliner for the Lancers, placing second in the nation in the high jump. He broke a school record by clearing 6-feet-10.5.

Brown's honor was the first individual indoor All-American nod for Grace since Daniel Njenga (mile) in 2001.

"Just two weeks ago, Isaac probably had the worst meet of his career. To come back on the national stage and have this success is impressive," said Grace head coach Jeff Raymond. "Isaac fought through a few misses early in the competition, and he showed a lot of character to make the next two heights on his first attempt. Everything then came together for his record jump.

Brown was not the only Lancer All-American on Friday. The men's 4x800-meter relay squad placed eighth to reach All-American status. Isaac Beatty, Luke Smith, Brady Willard and Kyle Smith ran 7:54.15 — the first relay All-Americans in program history.

"The guys ran a gutsy race in the finals despite it being the third race in 24 hours for a couple of these runners. They got a taste of success, and I'm sure they're looking forward to the outdoor season," Raymond added.

Grace had several other individual races during the day.

Lyne Camara set a school record of 57.88 in the 400 to place 14th, and Suzanne Sickafoose finished in 58.97 for 24th place.

Dylan Felger ran 48.62 in the 400 to place 10th, two spots away from the finals.

Kyle Smith finished 14th in the 800 prelims in 1:57.47, and John Green ran 22.11 in the 200, good for 20th place. 

Nordia Campbell ran the 200 for the women in 25.56 and finished 24th overall. Heather Plastow ended in 15th place in the mile at 5:10.00.

Grace qualified for two finals on Saturday. Isaac Beatty will run in the finals of the 1,000, and the women's 4x400 relay will also compete.



DAY THREE - Lancers earn two more All-Americans on final day

Grace's track and field team wrapped up the 2020 NAIA Indoor Championships on a high note on Saturday.

The Lancers had two more events earn All-American status on the final day.

Isaac Beatty placed eighth in the 1,000-meter race, crossing the finish line in 2:31.78.

The women's 4x400 relay also nabbed an All-American finish. Suzanne Sickafoose, Ashley Stoltzfus, Nordia Campbell and Julia Malson ran 3:50.87 to place fifth in the nation. The group marked the first female indoor All-Americans in Grace's history.

Prior to this week's indoor championships, Grace had just one NAIA Indoor All-American in program history (Daniel Njenga, mile, 2001).

But in this week alone, the Lancers had four events achieve All-American status, including Isaac Brown (high jump) and the men's 4x800 relay on Friday (Beatty, Luke Smith, Brady Willard, Kyle Smith).

"This was an incredible week for Grace track and field. After having one indoor All-American in school history, we placed two relays and two individuals this week," said Grace head coach Jeff Raymond. "We are excited and hope to carry this into the outdoor season."

The outdoor season will officially kick off March 28 with the Indiana Wesleyan Polar Bear Meet.