Cougars Finish Third with Batty's National Title

COLLEGE STATION -- After two days of competition, the men’s track team finished in third place and junior Miles Batty won an individual national championship in the mile at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in College Station, Texas.

"This was the best we've ever done with one of our best indoor teams ever," head coach Mark Robison said. "It has been a pretty special weekend and I am so pleased."

Batty finished in a time of 3:59.49. After falling back to the fourth position with four laps to go Batty turned it on to make it back into second place heading into the final lap. Around the last turn into the home straightaway the Sandy native beat out Tulsa sophomore Chris O’Hare in a dead sprint to take the victory.

"Batty was just unbelievable," Robison said. "We were very fortunate and this has been a memorable weekend and an incredibly fortunate last few days."

Last night, Batty ran the mile for the distance medley relay team and helped secure a first place finish just hours after he ran his qualifying race in the mile as well. With the win, Batty picks up first team All-American honors, his second recognition in as many days.

The Cougars finished with 34 points, falling short of Texas A&M and Florida. The third place finish is the highest ever for BYU at the Indoor Championships.

Competing in his second event of the meet, senior Leif Arrhenius finished in ninth place in the weight throw. After winning the shot put yesterday, Arrhenius went for a mark of 20.45m (67-01.25).

With the indoor season all wrapped up, BYU will prepare for outdoor season which begins next weekend with the San Diego State Invitational.

To see complete results from the meet CLICK HERE.