ALLIANCE, Ohio – Tyler Gittins placed third overall, crossing the line with a time of 52.26 seconds at the NCAA Division III Track and Field Championships, exceeding all expectations on Saturday, May 27. His time in the finals places his name in the record book as the fastest 400 meter hurdler since 1994. The junior is also eligible to become an USTFCCA All-American, by placing in the top-eight in his event.
"Racing in the finals is always fun but I try to treat finals of any meet like any other race and this was no exception," Gittins said. "I try to keep my preparation the same as much as possible to keep my nerves down."
Gittins went into the meet ranked 14th in a field of 20. The junior's mentality allowed him to cruise through the qualifying heat, placing sixth overall with his time of 53.28 seconds on Thursday afternoon. He qualified for the national championships early in the season, but was set in stone at the Baldwin-Wallace Harrison Dillard Twilight Invitational, where he raced a time of 53.07 seconds. It was at this meet that the junior claimed a first place finish for the fourth time this season.
Gittins saw success through his entire season, and was honored with being named All-Great Lakes Region in his event. Included in his successful 2017 campaign was at the NCAC Championships, finding himself with First Team All-NCAC recognition with a 54.36 seconds finish. He also had the opportunity to run alongside top-tier athletes at the Jesse Owens Classic, placing fifth overall in his event with a time of 53.79 seconds among sprinters across divisions within the american midwest.
"I'm just extremely proud of him," said Paris Hilliard, head coach of the Wittenberg Track & Field teams. "He continued to work hard all season long and embraced the process. I am thrilled that he was able to reap the rewards."
Gittins said he looks forward to next season, wanting to be at the top of the podium next time. He wants to bring teammates with him to the national meet with him too.
Written by: Sutton Jacobs, '19