FINAL RESULTS
PHOTOS
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The decorated and longstanding (Otterbein) career for senior
Cal Yackin arrived at its final act Saturday afternoon, fittingly on the national stage at the NCAA Division III Championships.
Yackin, one of a dozen runners left standing in the 1500 meters, toed the line once more as a Cardinal after moving through prelims Thursday night. He ran 3:49 to qualify, as the field of 22 initial competitors was essentially cut in half.
The veteran mid-distance standout laced up with hopes of a podium finish, but would ultimately settle 11th nationally after going 3:47.91 in his final outing this spring. Yackin worked from just behind the leaders most of the trip, running 3-4 deep until a few others passed during a blazing final lap…
An all-out sprint would take place down the final straightaway, with Yackin unfortunately missing the All-American (top eight) cutoff by a half-second. Finishers 7-11 all crossed the line in the 3:47 window.
Ryan Wilson (MIT) took the national title in 3:45.18, overtaking the field with roughly 250 meters left and coasting down the homestretch.
Despite this final result, Yackin still ends his Otterbein career as a 6x national qualifier (spanning track/cross country) and 2x All-American. He was sixth in the 1500 meters as a sophomore shortly after landing 18th at XC nationals a few months prior.
"Otterbein has given me so many opportunities and aspects to see," Yackin said during a recent awards dinner. "There have been different experiences, and so many different people to meet. All of that has allowed for some great perspectives and prepared me to handle various situations..."
Yackin will soon transition to Division II Grand Valley State and use his final year of eligibility as a Laker up in Allendale, Mich.
"I am not sure reality ever hit me along the way," Yackin added with a chuckle. "I have always been able to achieve certain goals or continue going after others that may not have occurred yet. But nothing on this path has ever deterred or stopped me. I am forever grateful."
