Flagstaff, AZ- Senior Zak Kleppe locked in a spot at the upcoming NAIA Indoor Track & Field Championships thanks to running an NAIA "A" Standard time in the 60 meter hurdles at the NAU Tune-Up in the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome on Friday.

Kleppe was at his best in the preliminaries as he ran an 8.14- which met the "A" standard while setting a new school record and personal record.  In the finals, he claimed fourth at the tune-up with a run of 8.27.

His preliminary 8.14 time was the ninth fastest run in the NAIA this season.

Head Coach Ted Campbell commented, "Way to wait until the last track meet of the indoor season of his senior year to qualify with the "A" standard.  The first time I saw him run I just knew that he was not tall enough to run the college hurdles and qualify in the top ten.  I was wrong and Zak has taught me that heart is more important than height."

Kleppe will head to the NAIA Indoor Championships hosted by Dakota State on March 5-7 in Brookings, SD.

Also running in the NAU Tune-up was the 4x400 meter relay team of Jordan Clayton, Kody DeHart, Donavan Joseph, and Mario Tavares.

Well done, Zak Kleppe.