By: Jeff Evans, Assistant AD for Athletic Communications
EMPORIA, Kan. – The Western Washington University Track & Field team wrapped up another successful season Friday with four student-athletes competing at the 2024 NCAA Division II Track & Field Outdoor Championships at Welch Stadium/Witten Track on the campus of Emporia State University.
Junior
Ila Davis headlined the Vikings performances earning First Team All-America honors with an 8th-place podium finish in the 3,000m steeplechase. Davis ran 10:28.43 in the final charging at the finish to move up two spots to earn the podium finish. This was Davis' third trip to nationals in the event, placing 11th last season and 13th in 2022. Davis wrapped up a great all-around season that included a third consecutive GNAC title in the steeplechase, a gold medal in the GNAC indoor mile and an all-region and all-conference performance in cross country.
Just over 24 hours after qualifying second in the 3,000m steeplechase prelims, junior
Jeret Gillingham finished 10th in the final with a time of 8:56.38 to earn Second Team All-America honors. It was the 5th-fastest time Gillingham has clocked in his featured event during his collegiate career. He set the WWU and GNAC record with a time of 8:45.40 at the conference championships earlier this month.
Senior
Drew Weber placed 6th in the second heat of the 800m prelims to just miss qualifying for Saturday's finale. Weber clocked 1:51.79 and will finish 13th overall to earn Second Team All-America honors. The school record holder in the event missed the entire indoor season with an injury and progressed throughout the season to make his third consecutive trip to outdoor nationals.
Senior
Marian Ledesma closed out her collegiate career finishing 17th in the 800m prelims with a time of 2:11.51. The trip to Kansas marked Ledesma's fourth trip to outdoor nationals during her career, highlighted by a First Team All-America 5th-place finish last season.
WWU's historic 2024 season saw the Vikings sweep all six GNAC team titles at championships in cross country, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field.
