March 9, 2007

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - Three new records were set today at the NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championship Meet. Mike Rodgers, a senior from Oklahoma Baptist University, twice broke his own record in the men's 60 meter dash. Rodgers first set the new mark in the 60 meter dash preliminary round with a time of 6.68. A few hours later, in the 60 meter dash semi-finals, Rodgers bested his previous time, setting the new Championship Meet record in a blazing 6.65 seconds (the men's 60 meter dash finals are scheduled for Saturday at 1:25 p.m.).

Junior Aubrey Baxter of Black Hills State University (S.D.) launched a heave of 18.86 meters (61' 10.5") in the women's weight throw to claim her first national title and break the previous NAIA women's weight throw record of 18.80 meters which was set by Vivian Chukwuemeka of Azusa Pacific University (Calif.) in 2005.

A new women's pole vault record was also set on the afternoon as junior Jessie Gallaher from Concordia University (Ore.) recorded a vault of 4.20 meters (13'9.25"). Gallaher's impressive performance surpassed the previous NAIA indoor mark of 4.00 meters that was set by Jen Sturzynski of Roberts Wesleyan College (N.Y.) in 2005.

Several other national champions were crowned during day two of the meet in a variety of events including the men's and women's 3000 meter race walk, the men's and women's 3200 meter relay, the men's and women's long jump, the men's weight throw, the men's high jump, and the men's heptathlon (for more information and a complete listing of results, please visit the NAIA website at www.naia.org).

After six events, Doane College (Neb.) leads the women's overall team standings with 22 points, followed by Azusa Pacific with 18 points and Black Hills State with 14 points. 21 women's teams have earned at least two team points after the second day of the meet.

In the men's team competition, Azusa Pacific leads the way with 21 points. Doane, Black Hills State and Dickinson State University (N.D.) are all tied for second with 18 points each. Following the second day of competition, 16 men's teams have earned at least four team points.

The Championships will conclude on Saturday with the Opening Ceremonies set for Saturday at noon and the Awards Ceremony scheduled for Saturday at 4:30 p.m.