(Story courtesy Augusta University Athletics)
PUEBLO, Colo. – Augusta University’s Avery Jaynes made history May 22 at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships, becoming the first Jaguar in program history to earn All-American honors in outdoor track and field. Jaynes placed fifth in the 10,000 meters, clocking a time of 29:55.56 at CSU Pueblo’s Thunderbowl Stadium.
The time not only secured a fifth-place national finish for Jaynes but also shattered both the Augusta University and Peach Belt Conference records in the event.
“To be able to get that special honor and earn All-American feels surreal,” Jaynes said. “It’s really the top mark to go for when it comes to competing in college, and I just feel blessed to be able to say I have achieved that. Being able to share this moment with friends, family, my coach, and my team means the world to me. None of this would have been possible without them by my side.”
Jaynes, a native of Brooklet, Georgia and graduate of Southeast Bulloch High School, competed in a highly competitive field at elevation, where William Amponsah of West Texas A&M captured the national title in 29:29.41.
Jaynes will return to the track on Saturday, May 24, to compete in the 5,000 meters, marking the final race of his collegiate career.
Live results and streaming for the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships are available at NCAA.com.
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