PUEBLO, Colo. — Mississippi College is celebrating a significant achievement today as one of our own, Jan Lukas Becker, has been crowned National Champion in the Men's 10,000-meter run at the 2023 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Becker's impressive victory in the Men's 10,000-meter run makes him the first National Champion from Mississippi College in NCAA Division II since the iconic Larry Myricks in 1979.

Showcasing his remarkable athletic abilities in a thrilling battle with Adam State University's Awet Beraki, Becker crossed the finish line of the race in an exceptional time of just 29 minutes and 47 seconds. This exceptional performance has secured his place in history as recording the second-fastest time ever run on Colorado soil. The record is currently held by the 1972 Olympic Marathon Champion, Frank Shorter.

Other members of the Mississippi College team also displayed commendable performances. Niklas Klei, in particular, earned his third All-American finish of the season in the Men's 400-meter dash with an 11th place finish. Furthermore, Kevin Turner demonstrated exceptional representation for the Choctaws on the national stage, achieving a notable 17th place among the nation's competitors in the Men's 100-meter dash.

The meteoric ascent of Mississippi College Track and Field finds its vivid embodiment in the awe-inspiring triumphs of Becker and his contemporaries, serving as an indomitable force that paves the way for future generations. These remarkable athletes, through their unwavering commitment and unwieldy resolve, stand as living testaments to the indomitable spirit cultivated within the Mississippi College Track and Field team.

The entire Mississippi College community joins in celebrating this monumental achievement and wishes our athletes continued success in their future endeavors.

Choctaw action will resume on Friday, May 26th, with the preliminary rounds of the Men's 4x400-meter relay, set to go off at 8:10 PM M.T.