Michael Rhoads, Jaci Smith Earn All-America Accolades

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Air Force junior Michael Rhoads garnered first-team All-America accolades and senior Jaci Smith claimed her second All-America honor of the weekend, as the pair wrapped up competition at the NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships this evening (March 9) in Birmingham.

The three Division I All-America awards claimed by Rhoads and Smith over the last two days are tied for the most indoor accolades from running events in program history (2016).

Rhoads, who earned second-team honors one year ago, captured a podium finish this year by placing eighth in the finals of the 800-meter run. With a time of 1:48.49, the junior posted his fastest time of the weekend – and his second-fastest time of the season – to finish eighth in a tightly contested race that saw just one second separate third- through eighth-place.

With today's award, Rhoads became the Academy's first two-time All-American at 800 meters.

Smith, who finished sixth in the 5000-meter run last night, returned to the Birmingham Crossplex this evening for the 3000-meter event and nabbed second-team All-America accolades after finishing 14th with a time of 9:20.68. With today's finish, Smith became Air Force's first Division I female All-American ever at 3000 meters – and just the second DI athlete to earn multiple All-America honors in the same indoor championship meet (Justin Tyner, 2011).

The Falcons' co-captain has now claimed four All-America awards since last June, having earned honors at 3000 meters, 5000 meters, 10,000 meters and in cross country, and her three track awards are tied for the second-most of any Academy athlete.

With the indoor season now complete, the Falcons head outdoors to begin the second half of their season. Air Force heads to Boulder, Colo., next weekend (March 15-16) for the annual Jerry Quiller Classic.

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