Cumberland University

Kennedy Bett takes the bronze medal in the men's 10K to end day one of action. (Credit: Indiana Wesleyan Sports Information)

Men's Track and Field 5/21/2025 9:17:00 PM

Bett Places Third in 10K; Lehtinen, Idamadudu, Bokpin Advance to Finals

MARION, Ind.--Cumberland University saw a strong start to the 2025 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships on Wednesday, highlighted by Kennedy Bett's All-American performance in the men's 10,000-meter run and three Phoenix athletes advancing to finals with top-five finishes in their respective preliminary heats.

In the final event of the night, Kennedy Bett shined bright under the lights in the men's 10,000-meter run, earning NAIA All-American honors with a third-place finish. Bett clocked a time of 30:26.32, holding strong in the lead pack throughout the race and outkicking much of the field in the final laps to secure a spot on the podium. His performance marks the first All-American honor of his career in outdoor track and adds to an already impressive freshman season.

Mid-South Conference Women's Freshman of the Year Isabella Lehtinen continued her outstanding debut season by placing third overall out of 26 competitors in the women's 400-meter hurdles prelims. Lehtinen crossed the line in 1:00.77, comfortably securing one of the automatic qualifying spots and solidifying NAIA All-American honors in the process. She will compete in the finals on Friday at 2:10 p.m. CT.

On the track in the women's 200-meter dash, two-time defending national champion Praise Idamadudu kept her title defense alive, clocking a time of 24.22 to finish fifth out of 24 runners in the prelims. The senior placed second in her heat and advanced to the finals set for Friday at 3:10 p.m. CT, where she'll look to capture her third consecutive national title in the event.

Rounding out the Phoenix qualifiers was the Mid-South Conference Men'sFreshman of the Year Mustapha Bokpin. The freshman delivered one of the day's top performances in the men's 200-meter dash prelims. Bokpin finished second overall among 31 athletes with a blazing time of 20.71, narrowly trailing only Rio Grande's Troy Mason (20.45). Bokpin's performance secured him a spot in Friday's final, which will take place at 3:20 p.m. CT.

Isabelle Aalders competed in the javelin throw. The freshman finished 27th overall with a mark of 31.03 meters. She will compete again in the high jump on Friday.

The Phoenix men currently sit tied for eighth place after the first day with six points coming from Bett's third place finish. The women are yet to tally points, but with Lehtinen and Idamadudu qualifying for finals events on Friday, points are sure to come.

Cumberland will return to action Thursday with the Phoenix set to compete in five events tomorrow., while the three finalists will take center stage on championship Friday as they chase national hardware.

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