Men's Track and Field | 03.05.2022

BROOKINGS, S.D. – Clayton VanDyke is returning to Lewiston as an NAIA National Champion. The senior became the first LC State Warrior to earn the top spot at nationals, indoor or outdoor, in the 800m run, doing so with a time of 1:50.89.
 
The Vernal, Utah, native took an early lead in the race and maintained his spot until the end. He bested the second-place runner by nearly one second to secure his title. He is the fourth Warrior to win a national title at indoor nationals.
 
"Could not be prouder of Clayton," Head Coach Mike Collins said. "He went out with a plan and stuck to the plan. He has put in the homework, he's done everything you're supposed to do in order to give yourself an opportunity to win. Using Muhammad Ali's words, 'the will has to be greater than the skill.' Today he definitely had the will, and has been doing the work to make sure the skill would be there. A great representative of the team, school and his family today. I could not be more excited for this young man."
 
VanDyke had three National Runner-Up finishes on his resume coming into the weekend, making today's win even sweeter.
 
"In every track championship I have competed in for Lewis-Clark State, I have come up short," VanDyke said. "I worked really hard going into this season and I knew what I was capable of. I felt like this was my opportunity to prove that, not just to myself, but to everyone watching. Words cannot express how excited I am."
 
Cole Olsen also earned All-American status after finishing eighth in the 3000m run (8:28.43). He led the pack in the middle of the race and remained in the lead group until the end.
 
Olsen's All-American honor is his third in track and field and seventh overall. VanDyke earned his sixth overall honor, fifth in track and field.
 
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