Jones Finishes in Top Ten at NAIA National Champs

May 23, 2009

EDWARDSVILLE, IL - Representing the Evergreen State College, Eric Jones (Sr. Columbia River HS) finished 10th in the NAIA Track and Field Championships Marathon Saturday morning in 2:39:22.

Running his second half over two minutes faster on the loop course, Jones was able to overtake the less patient among the field of 45 starters. In fact, Jones did not crack the top twenty places until 21 miles into the race in which the hills, warm and humid conditions took its toll on many.

Jones was just a minute shy of the school record of 2:38:23 set by Jim Schultz in 1987.

The race was a highlight on which to close the collegiate career for Jones, who was also a All-Conference and All-NAIA Scholar Athlete in Cross Country and Track two years in a row.