Thompson ranked on national stage

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (Jan. 20, 2010) – Oklahoma Christian head cross country coach and Oklahoma native, Mark Thompson, finished out 2009 being ranked in the 1500 meters, mile, and 3000 meters events in the Track and Field News annual rankings.

Thompson excelled on the track and field stage during 2009 finally eclipsing the four-minute mark in the mile, a goal he has had for several years. His time of 3:59.29 was good enough to rank him 26th in the event for the United States.

Thompson’s performances in the 1500 meters and 3000 meters were also good enough to earn him top 40 rankings. In the 1500, Thompson was ranked 40th and in the 3000, he was ranked 36th.

Ashley Benjamin, Thompson’s coach, was very pleased with the national ranks. “Mark really earned it and when you look at how fast Mark finished his sub four minute mile, he easily might have ranked in the top 20,” said Benjamin. “To put it in perspective, if Mark was a running back or a shortstop, he would be playing in the NFL or MLB.”

OC assistant cross country coach, Sam Dech, missed being ranked in the 1500 meters by less than a second. “Sam really lowered his times this summer in both the 800 and 1500. I am very confident in his abilities to run under four minutes in the mile and be ranked next year,” said Benjamin.

-OC-