GULF SHORES, Ala. – Keegan Bludworth (JR/Leesburg, Ga.) and Kayla King (FR/St. Croix, V.I.) concluded the track and field season Saturday with performances both they and their teams can be proud of.

Competing in her second national championships of the year, after previously qualifying for the NAIA Indoor championships in March, King represented the V-Hawks in the women's 100 meter dash. King came into the championship ranked 25th and finished in 25th position in the NAIA running the 100 meters in 12.5 seconds.  King got off to a good start out of the blocks before straining her hamstring at the 80 meter mark. Despite the tightness, Kayla still battled through the line to defend her starting position.

King's perseverance wasn't the only highlight for the V-Hawks. Competing in his first NAIA National Championship, Bludworth was seeded fifth in the field entering the men's javelin throw competition.  In the event, Bludworth completed two personal best throws, including a personal record throw by over two meters of 63.37 meters. Bludworth's personal record of over two meters was the largest improvement in the field, the fourth farthest throw in 2015 in the NAIA, and earned him 3rd place overall.  For his third place finish, Bludworth earns All-American honors. Bludworth is the first member of the men's track and field team to earn All-American honors.

"For both Keegan and Kayla, today's performances were the culmination of a season of hard work where they were pushed and encouraged by many of our teammates," said head coach John Metelko.  "Both Keegan and Kayla are competitors, and have already begun setting goals for next year."

With the end of the NAIA championship, the 2014-15 track and field season concludes.  The V-Hawks will open up their 2015-16 campaign at the Chuck Petersen Open at Minnesota State-Mankato, December 5th, 2015.