La Crosse, Wis. – Wittenberg senior Tyler Gittins made his way back to the 2018 Outdoor Track and Field Championships, qualifying in the 400-meter hurdles for a second consecutive year. Recording a top 20 time in the nation, posting a 52.63 at the Jess Owens Classic from Ohio State University earlier this spring. Gittins has battled back to overcome a late-season hamstring injury, which he suffered on the second day of competition at the North Coast Athletic Conference Championship meet.
The Westerville, Ohio native persevered through two weeks of rehabilitation, earning the third lane in the third heat of the prelim race at the NCAA Championship race. Gittins would run a 54.70 in the opening race of the NCAA Championships, finishing in sixteenth position amongst the field of the top 20 in NCAA DIII.
Gittins closes out his career as a two-time All-Great Lakes Region honoree in the 400-meter hurdles, along with being named the 2017 NCAC Sprinter/Hurdler of the Year.
"It's unfortunate Tyler wasn't 100% due to a hamstring injury he encountered at our conference championship meet. However, I am extremely proud of Tyler for working his but off in rehab the last 2 week to allow himself to toe the line at the national meet. As a senior ending your career at the national meet, is always a plus," said head coach Paris Hilliard.