Concordia junior Michael Saalfeld was victorious in the final of the men's 800-meter run on Saturday at the 2008 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships in Edwardsville, Ill. The three-day event was hosted by St. Louis Sports Commission, Lindenwood University, McKendree University and Missouri Baptist University.
Saalfeld, a David City, Neb. native, won a close race with a winning time of 1 minute 51.11 seconds, barely edging out Durrell Williams of Oklahoma Baptist University by .56. Saalfeld was also recognized as an All-American for his performance. This is Saalfeld's second national championship; he was the indoor champion in the 800 during the 2007-08 indoor season.
Another Bulldog, junior Dusty Morehead, earned All-American honors in the pole vault. Morehead finished second, clearing a height of 15 feet, 11 inches, the highest height cleared at the meet, but Ryan Musselman of Southern Oregon University was awarded first place on a judge's decision.
Senior Katie Werner also was awarded All-American status for finishing fourth in the shot put with a throw of 46-2 ¾.
Sophomore Luka Thor collected his second All-American award of the national meet, finishing seventh in the 5,000-meter run with a time of 14:46.10.