PLNC’s Penman Wins Marathon

Point Loma Nazarene senior Rick Penman ran his first marathon in style Saturday, winning the NAIA national title in Stephenville, Tex.

Penman, a graduate of Carlsbad High, led the entire way to finish in two hours, 30 minutes and 6 seconds and become PLNC’s first marathon winner since the origination of the track program in 1953.

Penman, a regular in the 5,000 meters, 10,000 and steeplechase, actually qualified for the event in the half marathon, which enabled him to compete in the marathon. The extra mileage began to take its toll as he approached the finish line.

“I had a three-minute lead at 24 (miles), so I cruised the last two,” he said. “My hamstring began to hurt. After a pool and jacuzzi, I’m feeling a little better.”

The victory may mark the conclusion of Penman’s marathon career. He is scheduled to graduate this year and will attend dental school in the fall.

“I plan to run lightly through dental school,” Penman said. “But, I don’t know, I like half marathons a little better.”

Penman’s finish made him an All-American. Three other PLNC runners made All-American on Saturday: Robert Keter, who set a school record (1:49.09) with a third-place finish in the 800; Sean O’Hara, a sixth-place finisher (9:11.44) in the steeplechase; and Anette Ronnerman, who set a school record (2:09.43) with a third in the women’s 800.

PLNC’s Christian Andereasson was named an Academic All-American.

SURFING

Kelly Slater of Cocoa Beach, Fla. was upset in the fourth round of the Body Glove Memorial Weekend Classic at Imperial Beach by Kirk Tice of Huntington Beach. Tice outscored Slater in the consistent two- to four-foot surf to earn his second major upset of the tournament and advance to today’s Main Event.

Newport Beach’s Richie Collins also advanced, finishing first in the last heat of the day. He will be matched today against San Clemente’s Dino Aldino, the 1990 Bud Pro Surfing Tour champion, and Santa Barbara’s Chris Brown, the current points leader.