Fresno Pacific track and field excelled at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships, showcasing historic performances and achieving multiple All-American honors. Freshman Tevž Podlipnik's personal-best throw of 72.09m in the men's javelin secured him a national runner-up finish, while teammate Dejan Mileusnic placed ninth. Shemar Palmer, a senior standout, made his mark with runner-up finishes in the 200m and 400m, setting a school record time of 45.33 in the latter event. Avril Mendoza earned All-American honors with a third-place finish in the 400m hurdles, as both women's relay teams also finished in the top five nationally. The men's team finished 12th overall and the women's team placed 18th, marking a significant achievement in the program's history.

By the Numbers
  • Tevž Podlipnik finished second in the men's javelin with a throw of 72.09m.
  • Shemar Palmer set a school record in the 400m with a time of 45.33.
  • The men's team placed 12th and the women's team finished 18th overall in the championships.
  • Fresno Pacific earned seven All-American honors throughout the event.
State of Play
  • The Sunbirds showcased their strength with top finishes in multiple events at the championships.
  • Palmer's performances solidified his national ranking and led to him being named the PacWest Most Outstanding Track Athlete.
  • The team will transition to the CCAA conference after this successful season.
What's Next

The Sunbirds track and field team will aim to build on their success as they transition to the CCAA conference, potentially increasing their competitive edge. With incoming freshmen and the continued development of existing athletes, the team is poised for further achievements.

Bottom Line

Fresno Pacific track and field's remarkable performance at the NCAA Championships highlights a transformative season that sets a promising foundation for the future. The combination of strong individual showings and team success emphasizes the program’s upward trajectory as they move into a new conference.