Michael Simmons finishes in 12th place in 3,000-meter steeplechase at NCAA III Championships

By: Andrew Korba

| NCAA III Outdoor Track & Field Championships |

LA CROSSE (Wis.) -- Senior Michael Simmons posted a time of 9:24.28, which was good for a 12th place finish in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the NCAA III Championships hosted by the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Michael LeDuc from Connecticut College won the event, crossing the finish line in 8:50.58, just .08 seconds faster than the second place finisher.

Simmons took a fall on the first water jump that moved him to the back of the pack, but he was able to make up four spots within the lap to get back into contention.

"It was unfortunate that Michael took a fall," said head coach Jason Maus. "He battled back nicely and worked very hard to get himself back into the mix."

Simmons qualified for the finals, by finishing fifth in his heat on Friday in 9:06.85.

He ends his career as the school's record holder in the event, with a time of 9:06.11.

"This was a great experience for him," Maus added. "Michael represented himself and the university well.  He has a lot to be proud of. Finishing 12th is a terrific accomplishment and he should feel great about the way he performed."