Sean Strauman Caps Outstanding IUP Career with National Title in 800 Meters



Sean Strauman won the national title in the 800 meters and is a five-time All-American

May 24, 2008

Complete Results

Sean Strauman capped his stellar IUP track and field career by winning the national championship in the 800 meters Saturday night at the NCAA Division II meet hosted by Cal Poly Pomona in Walnut, Calif.

Strauman was joined as an All-American Saturday by Rob Conrad in the javelin. Including Chris Gardner fifth place finish in the high jump Friday, IUP had three men's All-Americans at this year's meet, the most since 2000.

Strauman, a senior from South Park High School, posted a time of 1:49.37 to edge Anthony Luna of Metro State at the finish line by just .02 seconds. Strauman led the race the whole way and held off Luna at the tape.

Strauman became a five-time All-American in the event after placing seventh and fourth at the past two NCAA outdoor meets and eighth and second in two trips to indoor nationals. He is also a seven-time PSAC champion in the 800.

The last IUP national champion was Mark Bridge in the javelin in 2002 and the most recent first place finishers in running events came in 2001 when Derek Brinkley won the 400 hurdles and Amber Plowden captured the 100 meters.

Strauman is the ninth men's national champion in IUP history and joined Brinkley as the only two men to win titles in running events.

Conrad, a senior from Lower Dauphin High School, continued IUP's strong tradition in the javelin, taking an eighth place finish with a top throw of 204'11" to earn All-America honors for the second time in his career.

Conrad was also eighth at the 2006 meet. IUP has had 14 NCAA All-Americans in the javelin over the past 36 years, including four national champions.

Troy Litten, a senior from Gettysburg High School, was aiming for All-America status in the pole vault for the second consecutive year but failed to make the opening height of 16'0".