Thomas University announces Mills Earns All-American Status
MARION, IN– The Thomas University Men's Track and Field team wrapped up one the most historic seasons in program history this past Friday in Marion, IN for the NAIA Outdoor National Championship. One Night Hawk capped off a historic run on a high note.
Freshman Darian Mills did not hesitate to leave Marion, IN on a very positive note. Mills competed in the final round of the 400 hurdles, after taking a fourth-place preliminary finish on Wednesday. Darian was the only Freshman to advance to finals. The Port St. Joe, Fla native made his mark on the track after taking a third place finish for a new school and personal record of 51.56. Additionally, Mills became the first person in program history to receive first team All-American honors, including marking the highest finish for any individual in program history at Nationals.
Head Coach Scott Gowan took time to reflect on the Freshman's outstanding performance from start to finish."What a way to finish the season." said Scott Gowan. "Darian had an amazing freshman year both indoors and outdoors and for him to finish top three in the NAIA as just a freshman is about as good as it gets. Gowan knows the bright future Mills has and looks forward to the journey ahead for him. "Darian not only has a bright future in our program but, the entire University as we all look forward to watching him develop into one of the top sprinters/ hurdlers in the country over the next three years."
Gowan could not step away from Marion, IN before giving thanks and appreciation to assistant coach, Steve Thomas. " I would like to thank Coach Steve Thomas for the many hours he put in working with our athletes during the fall and again during the indoor and outdoor seasons." "He did a great job and helped our athletes have great success at the SUN Conference Championship and NAIA Outdoor National Championship."
Scott Gowan then had a few remarks on the bright future that is in store for both the Track and Field/ Cross Country programs. "The future is very bright at TU in Cross Country, including both Track and Field programs" "We had our first National Cross Country qualifier, Justin Tomison, and Darian Mills became the first person of last year's Indoor program to qualify on the year." " We had five athletes compete at the National Outdoor Championships this weekend and came away with our first-ever All-American athlete, Darian."
Gowan has a plan for recruiting and hopes to continue to build off the success the program continues to bring each and every year." We had a great recruiting class this past year signing twelve athletes and this group came in and were huge contributors to our program in their first year." "If we can sign 12-15 athletes each year and keep the momentum going that we created this year, we are going to go back to the National meet each year as one of the top programs in the country."
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