MTU runner earns All-American status
Courtesy of MTU Athletics
*ALLENDALE, Mich.* – Jani Lane became the fourth All-American in Michigan Tech track and field history with a seventh place finish in the 1500 meter run at the 2014 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships on Saturday (May 24). His time of 3:48.84 was the second best time in school history.
“I had a tough time adjusting to the tough competition down here at nationals, but I’m happy I was able to sneak in as an All-American today,” Lane said. “I’m pleased with my first experience at NCAAs.
“Being an All-American mean’s a lot for our program. We don’t always get the big time athlete like maybe Grand Valley or Ashland do, but we put in all the hard work and train through some tough UP weather to compete at a very high level.”
Don Gleneski (shot put) in 1987, Chris Klaes (3,000 steeplechase) in 1990 and Justin Blake (hammer) in 2005 were the other Tech track and field All-Americans.
“I have to thank the coaching staff,” added Lane. “These guys work so hard and always push everyone to be their best.”
“I’m also happy that I was able to get through the season without any injuries. That was a big accomplishment for me in my college career.”
Tech coach Joe Haggemiller added, “It was an exciting day for the Huskies. The field was so competitive and ran a very fast race. Jani was able to make a move in the last 100 meters to slip into seventh.
“We are so proud of him. The coaching staff needs to take some days to relax after two very nerve racking races this weekend down here.”