FREELAND, Mich. -- Trine's Patrick Richardville was named the MIAA Most Valuable Runner, the conference announced today.
Richardville (Leo, Ind. / Leo) won two events, ran a leg of a victorious relay and ran a leg of another relay that earned points for the Thunder. The junior set a school record with his effort in the 200-meter dash, running a time of 21.59 seconds. He won his second career conference title in the 100-meter dash, crossing the finish line in 10.82 seconds. Richardville also ran a leg for Trine's conference champion 4-x-100-meter relay team and was part of a 4-x-400-meter relay group that placed fourth in the MIAA.
The honor is the first conference MVP recognition earned by Richardville. He previously earned All-MIAA outdoor honors in 2015 and is a two-time all-conference performer on the indoor track. He also holds school records in the 60-meter dash (indoor) and 100-meter dash and his part of the program record in the 4-x-100-meter relay. Richardville is Trine's third MIAA Most Valuable Runner since 2013.
Richardville's performance in the 200-meter dash vaulted him into contention for a bid to the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field National Championships. The effort is currently ranked No. 19 in the nation. The top 20 performers receive bids to the national meet. Richardville is seeking his first career appearance in a national meet.
The NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field National Championships will be held May 25-27 at the SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio.
Due in large part to the efforts of Richardville, the Trine men's track and field team placed second at MIAA Field Day. Thunder performers will compete in last-chance meets over the next two weeks in hopes of solidifying bids to the national meet.