MARION, Indiana – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Outdoor Track & Field National Championships started Wednesday at Indiana Wesleyan.

The Montana Tech men are in 11^th place with five points. The Oredigger women have two points resting in 27^th place.

Junior distance runner Edwin Kipainoi put the first points up for Montana Tech running in the 10,000-meter finals. Kipainoi finished fourth in the race with a time of 30:37.91 seconds scoring five points for the Orediggers and earning All-American status. Kipainoi runs in the 5,000meter preliminary heat tomorrow.

Sophomore Jenna Jordan took seventh place in the javelin in her second appearance at the national championship meet. Jordan had a 42.75 meter throw and scoring the first two points for the team.

"We had a great night with two more All-Americans," said head coach Zach Kughn.

NAIA All-Americans are the top eight finishers in each event at the national championship meet.

Sophomore Abby Clark is in third place in the heptathlon through four events. Clark is only 28 points away from the leader after finishing in the top five in three of the four events. She took second in the high jump, third in the 200-meter dash, fifth in the shot put, and 11^th in the 100-meter hurdles. Clark has the final three events tomorrow.  

Butte sophomore Hailey Nielson just missed scoring points in the 10,000-meter race taking ninth place. Nielson finished with a time of 37:16.89 seconds.

"Hailey was one spot away in ninth, but she was seeded 23^rd and ran amazing."

Justin Morgan finished fifth in his heat in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 9:33.79 seconds. Morgan has the 14^th fastest time going into the finals.

"Justin qualified for the finals even though he was seeded second to last."