Milligan runner wins national title

By Trey Williams
Press Sports Writer

Milligan College’s first taste of a national championship had an international flavor.

Freshman Marta Zimon, a first-semester student from Poland, edged Erin Nehus by one-hundredth of a second to win the women’s 5000 meters Saturday at the NAIA Indoor Track and Field championship in East Tennessee State University’s Memorial Center.

Azusa Pacific swept the men’s and women’s team titles in dominant fashion.

Zimon appeared ready to dominate the final half-lap of the 17-lap event when she pulled away several meters heading into the third turn after Nehus had drawn even down the backstretch.

But Nehus was back within a stride or two coming out of the final turn, and all but overtook Zimon in a photo finish that took several minutes to decide.

“I didn’t know if I had won or not,” Zimon said. “I knew she was close, but I didn’t have a good finish. I thought I would (be able to finish much stronger).”

Zimon ran 20 seconds slower than her qualifying time and Nehus was 16 seconds slower.

“Three of them separated as a pack and it became a tactical race,” said Milligan coach Chris Layne, whose apprehension came to a head when Zimon tried to make her move with a half lap remaining. “She tried to press a little and looked a little uneasy there.”

Of course, Layne’s angst increased exponentially a few moments later, as officials studied the camera’s click.

“Oh boy, I didn’t need that,” Layne said. “Of all the races this weekend, why did it have to come in that one?”

It gave him time for an uncomfortable premonition of deja vu. Milligan’s Philip Rotich came in as the top seed last year before being upset by second-seeded Anthony Kabara of Cumberland College.

“Of course I was (having deja vu),” Layne said. “My heart’s still in my throat. It certainly was exciting.”

Milligan only began its track and field program two years ago.

“I have to thank Dean (Mark) Fox and Milligan College for buying into us expanding the cross country program into track and field,” Layne said.

Zimon said the magnitude of the event snuck up on her.

“Yes, I felt pressure,” Zimon said. “They kept saying, ‘You have to win. You have to win.’ It is the most important race I’ve won.”

Milligan teammate Megan Lease chewed more than 20 seconds from her previous best in the race, and earned All-American status with a sixth-place finish.

“I knew I was in good shape and thought I could cut off a big chunk of time,” said Lease, a freshman from Camden, N.C. “Being an All-American was in the back of my mind.”

Setting a meet record, as she did Friday, was in the mind of Azusa Pacific’s Vivian Chukwuemeka. A day after setting the meet record in the weight throw, Chukwuemeka broke her own mark in the shot put (59-2).

“I feel so good and happy right now that I am speechless,” said Chukwuemeka, who will plans to compete at the World Championships in France.

Azusa Pacific had a $35,000 budget, and has been at the Carnegie Hotel since Monday (two days longer than other schools).

“Our school really cares about track and field,” Chukwuemeka said. “Staying longer helped (to get acclimated) and let us come out relaxed. I really like the atmosphere here.”

Chukwuemeka hails from the same eastern region of Nigeria as A-P alumnus and former NFL running back Christian Okoye.

Doane College (Nebraska) finished a distant second — 121-51 — in the women’s team standings. Azusa Pacific’s men won 61-43.5 over MidAmerican Nazarene (Kansas).

A-P’s Brianna Carstensen broke the old record in the 1000 meters, as did Evelina Slatinska, who finished four-tenths of a second behind Carstensen.

Wayland Baptist’s Ryan Shields broke the record in the 200 (21.25).

Chukwuemeka and Carstensen were named the women’s co-outstanding athlete. Spring Arbor College’s David Rotich won the men’s honor thanks to victories in the 1000 and two relays.

Azusa Pacific women’s coach Mike Barnett was honored, as was A-P men’s coach Kevin Reid.

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About Milligan College

Milligan College is a private Christian liberal arts college in Northeast Tennessee, nationally recognized for its commitment to excellence in academic, social and spiritual development. The college has consistently been named one of "America's Best Colleges" by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, visit www.milligan.edu or call 423.461.8719.

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