Bethune-Cookman University track & fielder Ronnie Ash turned in a third-place finish over the weekend at the NACAC Under-23 Championships in Toluca, Mexico?becoming the first major medalist in B-CU history by earning the bronze.

Ash’s time of 13.72 seconds in the 110m hurdles earned him a bronze medal for the event.  However, for the third time this season, the rising sophomore placed behind the first place exploits of the University of South Carolina’s Jason Richardson.  Richardson turned in a time of 13.32 to claim the gold medal as a senior for the Gamecocks.

“I’m very pleased with the way Ronnie performed this weekend having not run since the NCAA Outdoor Championships almost a month ago,” stated B-CU Track & Field/Cross Country head coach Garfield Ellenwood.  “This was an incredible way to cap-off a tremendous freshman season.”

In the process, the Raleigh, N.C. native captured the first-ever major medal for any Bethune-Cookman University track & field student-athlete.  He previously became the school’s first recorded Outdoor All-America performer on the Division I level of intercollegiate athletics.  The Wildcats moved to Division I back in 1980.

The NACAC is the North America, Central America and Caribbean Athletic Association.  The event takes place every other year, and involves teams comprised of the best athletes under the age of 23 from the United States, Canada and Caribbean.  He was the youngest participant in this year’s field at the age of 19.

“This continues to show the strength and growth of this program,” continued Ellenwood.  “We have shown we can compete in all phases of track & field this year ... in the conference; in the nation; and now on the international level.  This program is truly taking off right before our eyes.”

Last month, Ash finished his first collegiate outdoor season by collecting All-America honors in the NCAA Outdoor Championships for the 110m hurdles.  He collected a third-place finish behind Jason Richardson (South Carolina) and Ty Akins (Auburn).  Ash was the only freshman to make it to the finals of his event.

For more information on this year’s NACAC games in Toluca, Mexico, please locate your internet browser to http://www.nacac.sportcentric.com.  You can also contact the B-CU Office of Sports Information at (386) 481-2206.