LA CROSSE, Wi. – The Roger Williams University Men's Track & Field program saw Nathan Tassey deliver a patient and powerful performance in the 5,000 meters to capture the race in a personal-best 14:02.77 and become a National Champion at the NCAA Division III Men's Track & Field Championships on Saturday. This is the first time in program history an men's track and field athlete has been named a National Champion.

From the start, Tassey settled comfortably into the lead pack, opening with a 33.04 first 200 meters before moving through 600 meters in 1:46.05 while sitting in second place. He maintained contact with the contenders through the opening kilometer, crossing 1,000 meters in 2:57.66 with consistent pacing and controlled positioning.

As the pace fluctuated through the middle stages, Tassey remained composed. He passed 1,400 meters in 4:03.61 and 1,800 meters in 5:08.78, responding smoothly after briefly dropping back in the field. He continued to hold steady rhythm through 2,200 meters in 6:15.54 and 2,600 meters in 7:22.88, consistently staying within striking distance of the leaders.

Tassey continued his methodical climb over the second half of the race. He crossed 3,000 meters in 8:31.69 before moving into stronger contention at 3,400 meters in 9:40.00. Remaining near the front through 3,800 meters in 10:50.00 and 4,200 meters in 11:59.93, he positioned himself perfectly for the closing stages.

With 400 meters remaining, Tassey surged. He covered the stretch from 4,200 to 4,600 meters in 1:05.36 before unleashing a blistering final lap of 57.50 seconds over the last 400 meters. The late acceleration carried him to the front in the closing moments as he crossed the line first in 14:02.77, beating his own program record and becoming a National Champion and First Team All-American.

This concludes the Roger Williams Outdoor Track and Field season.