MARION, Ind. – Vanguard Athletics exited the NAIA atop the mountain on Friday, as its final act as a member resulted in a national championship for the 4x400 women's relay team.
On the final day of the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, the Lion quartet of Jordyn Burke, Eryn Burke, Elizabeth Betten and Brooke Dalgity dominated the field on the Wildcat Track & Field Complex, blazing to gold in a school record time of 3:39.71. The "Yucaipa Four" lowered their previous best mark of 3:41.48 by nearly two seconds.
The Lions crushed the competition, winning by over three seconds against runner-up Cumberland (Tenn.), which finished in 3:42.86.
Following Jordyn Burke's 56.71 on the opening leg, Eryn Burke (53.64) and Betten (55.06) ran season-best splits. Dalgity sped to the finish as the anchor leg in 53.94 seconds.
Vanguard, which entered the national meet ranked No. 1 in the event, led by huge margins throughout the race, as Eryn Burke opened up incredible distance at the handoff to Betten for the third leg.
Earlier in the afternoon, the same four Lions competed in the finals of the 4x100 relay. They broke another school record, finishing in fifth place with a time of 45.69 seconds. VU eclipsed its previous best by .06 hundredths of a second.
William Carey won the race in 43.87 seconds.
As a result of placing in the top eight of both relays, the Burke sisters, Betten and Dalgity captured All-American honors in both races.
Eryn Burke now owns the school career record for All-American awards – either male or female – with nine between the indoor and outdoor seasons.
What Was Said?: "Wow! We couldn't be more proud of our Yucaipa gals and all they accomplished today," said Head Coach Bryan Wilkins. "What an epic end to the NAIA chapter for VU athletics! These ladies performed unbelievable under a ton of pressure. We're so grateful for this opportunity and we give all the glory to God. Special thanks to Coach Russ Davis for the ice cream tonight! We are blessed to have so much love and support from the Vanguard community."
