GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Sophomore Jake Gladieux (Oregon, Ohio / Whitmer) becomes just the second national champion in the Trine University men's track and field program's NCAA history by winning the 400 M hurdles. He also earns All-American status on the back of the win.
Gladieux qualified for the event on Thursday when he finished the preliminary race with a time of 52.64, good enough to be the fourth seed for the final race. He would shave further time off for this race coming in with the win at 52.57.
"To win a national championship after facing the adversity of the past few weeks speaks volumes for his work ethic and mental toughness," said Assistant Coach in charge of Sprints, Hurdles and Javelin Seth Ware, "I am extremely proud to be his coach and look forward to what the future holds for him and the entirety of the Thunder track & field program."
Gladieux becomes just the second men's track and field athlete to become a national champion since Trine University joined the NCAA in 2004. He is the first since 2008 when Russell Dill also brought home a championship in the 400 M hurdles