Victor Banjo Places Fourth In 60-Meter Dash At NCAA Indoor Championships

GRINNELL, Iowa — Sophomore Victor Banjo (Sugarland, Texas/Stephen F. Austin) believed he could become Wittenberg University's first-ever indoor national champion. That is why he expressed some measure of disappointment following his fourth-place finish in the 60-meter dash at the 2012 NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships at Grinnell College (Iowa).

Banjo may not be content with the final result, but he still has joined some select company with his time of 6.86, which he posted on back-to-back days in the prelims and the final race. Going into the national meet, Banjo had not lost a 60-meter race all season, and he entered the competition with a seed time of 6.87.

"I'm disappointed, but I'm also really thankful for the experience and the opportunity to compete for the Tigers this year," Banjo said. "I felt like I could go a little faster, and my goal was to win the race, so that's why I'm a little disappointed. But I'm already looking forward to the outdoor season and also to making it back to the indoor nationals in 2013."

The only Wittenberg indoor All-American prior to Banjo was Skip Ivery '04, who finished second in the 55-meter hurdles in 2003 and then finished fourth in the same event in 2004.

"I'm pleased for Victor, and I'm pleased for our program," said Wittenberg Track and Field/Cross Country Head Coach Craig Penney. "It has been great to watch him grow and develop during the indoor season, and I think this will catapult him to a great outdoor season. (Assistant) Coach (Paris) Hilliard has done a great job working with Victor, and I'm really looking forward to more great things in the future."

Banjo's finish earned Wittenberg five team points. That put the Tigers 33rd in the final NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field standings.