ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Freshman Payton Brack and senior Chase Schermer brought John Brown University's most ambitious national championship showing to a close Friday (May 22), finishing 10th and 11th respectively in the men's 3,000-meter steeplechase final at the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships at Karl Straus Track in Asheville, N.C.
Brack was on pace for an All-American finish when a barrier collision mid-race disrupted his rhythm. He crossed in 9:24.47 to finish 10th among 13 finalists, the eighth-fastest time in program history.
"He stuck his nose in the race and was heading toward an All-American finish," head coach Peter Cunningham noted. "After a full revolution, he found his feet again and worked to get back in position. He continued to fight and should be proud of his result on the day. We love Payton's grittiness."
Schermer, competing in the final race of his collegiate career, finished 11th in 9:24.50, the ninth-fastest time in program history and just 0.03 seconds behind his freshman teammate.
"Chase raced for the final time in a Golden Eagle jersey, and we're grateful for the Christ-centered heart he has toward the sport, his teammates, and his opponents," Cunningham added. "Thank you for four years of dedication, Chase."
The top eight finishers earned All-American honors, with Maximilien Filion of British Columbia claiming the national title in 9:01.15. Filion, last year's runner-up, went one better Friday to take the championship. Both JBU finalists finished ahead of the two Montreat (N.C.) entries, the only other program with multiple steeplechase finalists.
Friday's final capped a landmark week for the Golden Eagles, who sent five athletes to compete across four events, the most in a single season since the program was relaunched in 2019.
"To have five athletes on the national stage was an exciting milestone for us. What a gift to see our athletes' hard work pay off," admitted Cunningham. "We love the direction this program is growing, growing in numbers, in performances, in dedication, in friendships, in campus involvement, and in experiencing the Lord's goodness.
"We're thankful for this year, and we want more. Jesus is King, and we'll continue to chase down the competition."
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