Academy of Art University Athletics

In his second time running at the NCAA Division II National Championships, graduate student Gatien Airiau became an All-American for the first time in his collegiate career on Nov. 18. He placed 22nd overall, a full 50 spots better than his placement at Nationals in 2016.

Utilizing his experience from 2016 throughout, Airiau kept himself among the top 30 of 249 runners for the duration of the men's 10k. Three kilometers in, the Communications & Media Technologies major was 29th overall and proceeded to move up five more spots by the halfway mark. He dropped to 30th approaching the final 2k, but saved his best for last as he jumped ahead of eight others to 22nd by the finish line with a time of 31:34.7.

"That was a very consistent race," said Airiau. "I came into Indiana with a solid race at Regionals and I really wanted to confirm and close this season with the All-American honor. It's a great feeling. I'm proud of what we achieved this year with the whole team and coaches."