GENEVA, OH – Pomona-Pitzer senior Paul Messana competed in the 800 meter preliminary race Friday afternoon at the NCAA Division III Track and Field Championships, but did not qualify for the finals, ending his stellar Sagehen career.

"Working with Paul these last four years has been a truly rewarding experience," said Men's Track and Field Head Coach Tony Boston. "Whether on the track or on the cross country trails, I always knew he'd put it all on the line for the team."

Messana was a team captain for the Sagehens this season and the team's MVP. Throughout his four years with Pomona-Pitzer, Messana has racked a number of accolades including All-American honors, three-time NCAA qualifier, two SCIAC Championships, two All-West Region selections, three All-SCIAC honors, as well as SCIAC Newcomer of the Year. He has also been both SCIAC and USTFCCCA All-Academic selections.

Messana has put his name all over the Pomona-Pitzer record books, holding 12 spots on the Sagehens All-Time list, including the second fastest time in program history in the 800 meter at 1:49.86.

Messana finished 19th overall on Friday with a time of 1:52.63.

"Watching him train and race has been inspirational," said Boston. "He brought a level of maturity and intensity to each practice session, and through action alone, called upon each teammate to do the same. I can only hope that I was able to teach him as much as he was able to teach me. He has made an imprint on this program and for that I am forever grateful." 

The NCAA Championships conclude tomorrow with three Sagehens still in action.

Saturday, May 27

8:45 a.m. - Men's 3000m Steeplechase Final (Danny Rosen) 

Noon - Women's 5000m Final (Maya Weigel)

12:25 p.m. - Men's 5000m Final (Andy Reischling)