Yankton, SD- After finishing the qualifying rounds with the second fastest time on Thursday, Senior Zak Kleppe shaved two hundredths off his time to finish fourth in the 60 meter hurdles at the NAIA Indoor Track & Field Championships on Saturday.  The run gave Kleppe All-American status as well.

After the race Kleppe stated, "I am just stoked that God, for some reason, decided to give me another chance to race against really fast people.  Regardless of the results all glory and credit is to Him, who has loaned me time and skill so I might honor Him in competition."

ACU Hurdles Coach Ed Carlon, who traveled with Kleppe, commented, "This trip was an amazing experience and Zak is an amazing talent and more importantly person.  His work ethic and talent are only outmatched by his humility and faith.  To be able to share this special moment in his life and in ACU history is truly an honor.  His record performance is setting the stage for an even better outdoor season where he will continue to improve on his school records.  All glory be to God.  This experience and accomplishment are thanks to our Lord Almighty."

With the opportunity to run in just one qualifying race, Kleppe grabbed the lost slot in the 16 runner national field.  For Kleppe, the qualification to the indoor championships was the fourth of his ACU career.

On Thursday, Kleppe ran in a prelim field with the eventual national champion Brandon Schultz from Brewton-Parker.  Kleppe finished just three hundredths behind Schultz with a run of 8.02 to earn the number two qualifying spot.

Fast forward two days to the finals and Kleppe ran against a field that included two runners from both Indiana Tech and Southeastern and in the lane next to Schultz.  Kleppe covered the 60 meters of lane three in exactly eight seconds to set his personal record and the school record once again.  The three crossing the line just ahead of Kleppe ran 7.951, 7.959, and 7.97.

Top eight finishers are awarded NAIA All-American status.

Ironically with Kleppe claiming fourth, he earned five team points to put ACU on the team board.

Congratulations- Zak Kleppe.