Emporia, Kan. - The 2024 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field National Championships began Thursday, hosted by Emporia State. Heading into the final day of competition, the men's team is currently in 3rd place with 25 points, just one point behind the two teams tied for 1st at 26 points. So far, the Lions have had one National Champion in Peyton Barton, and five All-American performances. Results from the first two days can be found here. 

Day one of the Championships was highlighted by Peyton Barton's performance in the Hammer Throw. He won the event to claim the title of National Champion and earn All-American honors, breaking his school record in the process. With a throw of 68.71m, his mark was more than two meters further than the rest of the competition. 

The Lions had a very successful day two, as four more All-American honors were earned. Peyton Barton, Cedric Pearson, and Gabe Ford went back-to-back-to-back in the Discus Throw, each claiming All-American honors. Barton finished 3rd with a throw of 54.93m, Pearson threw a personal record of 54.88m for 4th, and Ford placed 5th with a toss of 54.40m. On the women's side of the event, Kirsten Womack earned All-American honors in the Discus Throw as well, taking 8th place with a throw of 48.45m. Malachi Pipkin capped off the day with an 8th place finish in the 110m Hurdles - Prelims to earn a spot in the finals on Saturday. 

Days One and Two All-American Performances
Peyton Barton - Discus Throw - 3rd Place - 54.93m
Cedric Pearson - Discus Throw - 4th Place - 54.88m
Gabe Ford - Discus Throw - 5th Place - 54.40m
Kirsten Womack - Discus Throw - 8th Place - 48.45m 
Peyton Barton - Hammer Throw - National Champion - 68.71m - School Record

The Championships will wrap up on Saturday, May 25. Brendan Rozier and Garrett Strange will kick off the day for Missouri Southern, throwing the Javelin at 10:30am. Here is MSSU's full Saturday schedule:
10:30am | Men's Javelin: Brendan Rozier, Garrett Strange
11:00am | Women's Shot Put: Samariae Bonds, Briar Gillum
12:30pm | Men's Pole Vault: Bastien Franck
12:45pm | Men's Triple Jump: Taris Jackson, Caleb Manning
1:30pm | Women's Javelin: Adrianne Casey, Keilee Johnson, Mackenzie Mayer
2:15pm | Men's Shot Put: Gabe Ford, Cedric Pearson
2:45pm | Men's 110m Hurdles - Finals: Malachi Pipkin