SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Senior Payne Ratliff concluded his standout Otterbein career on Saturday, competing as an individual qualifier at the NCAA Division III Championships held at Milliken Research Park.

Ratliff placed 96th out of 279 runners in 25:16.5, closing strong in one of the fastest national fields in recent years.

The race caps an impressive 2025 season where Ratliff delivered consistent front-pack performances across major meets. He ran a season-best 24:50 at the Louisville Classic, posted 25:11 at both the Interregional Invitational and All-Ohio Championships, and opened the year with a 25:47 at the Otterbein Invite. He went on to win the individual title at the OAC Championships (25:21) and followed with a strong showing of 25:03 at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional to secure his berth to nationals.

Across his four-year career, Ratliff collected First Team All-OAC, All-Region, and All-Ohio honors, posted multiple personal bests, and became one of the Cardinals' most consistent championship performers. 

Otterbein now shifts its attention toward the upcoming indoor track and field season.