Men's Outdoor Track and Field 10/9/2022 1:36:00 PM Sebastian Burke - Sports Information Graduate Assistant

OTTAWA, Kan. – Four members of the Ottawa University Track & Field team will head to the FISU America Games in Merida, Mexico. There will be three days of track & field competitions from Oct. 20-23, with 14 different countries competing. 

The International University Sports Federation (FISU) is an international athletics governing body responsible for the organization of sports competitions around the globe for student-athletes between the ages of 17 and 25.  This celebration of international university sports and culture draws many thousands of student-athletes together to compete, making it among the world's largest and most prestigious multi-sport events.  Embracing the FISU motto of Excellence in Mind and Body, the FISU America Games incorporate educational and cultural aspects, encouraging student-athletes from around the world to combine high sports performance with their intellectual pursuits. 

Laurel Barber and Jacob Ludwick will represent Team USA in the javelin throw, following impressive seasons last year that saw them become NAIA All-Americans. Ludwick went on to qualify for the USATF U20 Championships, where he would finish in fifth place. Jaylan Washington will compete in the 100m and 4X100 relay, a multiple time qualifier for NAIA Nationals.  Ottawa's Director of Track & Field, Steven Paternostro, will serve as an assistant coach for Team USA.  

"Sending athletes from Ottawa to represent Team USA shows how far this program has come. Our All-Americans really made this possible by competing well at last year's NAIA Nationals, and Jacob's performance at the USATF U20's," said Paternostro. "It's a dream come true to be selected as one of the assistant Track & Field coaches for such a large international event. I welcome the opportunity to coach our United States athletes. I want to thank Team USA and FISU for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the coaching staff for this Pan-American event. I also want to thank Dr. Reggies Wenyika for supporting our program and giving us the encouragement to move forward with such a great opportunity." 

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