ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Milligan University's outdoor track and field program closed out a three-day battle at the NAIA National Championships Friday with a full slate of finals at Karl Straus Track on the campus of UNC Asheville. The Buffs had five athletes competing across six events on the final day, coming away with four All-American finishes — two from Ellen-Mary Kearney — two podium finishes, and a national championship from Luis Peralta.

Trevor Sinard got the day started for the Buffs with a 10th-place finish in the discus, launching a mark of 47.26 meters to cap a breakout freshman campaign on the national stage.

Ellen-Mary Kearney took on the women's 3000-meter steeplechase coming off a strong season, entering the final with a season-best time from the preliminary round, where she won her heat and held the No. 2 mark in the NAIA. On a rain-soaked track, Kearney ran at the front of the pack through the opening laps before pulling away from the field alongside Elysse Fleming of British Columbia. The two exchanged the lead through the middle laps, with Fleming gaining separation entering the final two. Kearney dug deep in pursuit and emptied the tank down the stretch, closing with a personal-best and Milligan school record of 10:24.05 to finish as the national runner-up and earn All-American honors. Kearney quickly turned around to compete in the women's 800-meter final less than an hour later, delivering a second All-American performance with an eighth-place finish in 2:14.64.

Marti Molins Rallo continued the Milligan effort in the men's 1500-meter event, earning All-American status with an eighth-place finish in 4:00.37.

Peralta saved his best for last. Entering the men's 800-meter final as the NAIA's No. 2 seed, he knew a championship would require a special effort. He found himself trailing Nathan Cremin of Montreat through the opening 400 meters, Cremin hitting the split in 50.63 to Peralta's 51.41, but over the next 200 meters he steadily reeled him in. In the final stretch, Peralta turned on the jets, blowing past Cremin and crossing the line as a national champion. His winning mark of 1:47.94 bettered his own school record, stands as the second-fastest time in NAIA history, and capped his Milligan career in the most fitting way possible.

Karly Wilhjelm rounded out the Milligan effort in the women's 5000-meter event, entering the final through individual qualification. Wilhjelm posted a mark of 18:46.88 to finish 19th.

After Friday's performances, Milligan's outdoor track and field season comes to a close.

Click HERE to view the full results.