LOUISVILLE, Ky. (November 20, 2021) - History was cemented Saturday afternoon at the 8K E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park when Seth Bywater (Cornwall, NY / Cornwall Central) ran a career-best 25:25.8 to celebrate SUNY Delhi's first-ever entry at the NCAA Division III National Championships, placing 191st in the 289-runner field. 

Bywater qualified for NCAA nationals at last weekend's NCAA Niagara Regionals in Geneseo, N.Y. when he hit a then-career-best 25:46.7 to place 13th overall, garnering the sixth at-large individual spot. He became the first Bronco to reach the Division III national meet in SUNY Delhi's first year as full-time NCAA members. 

After getting stuck in the pack at the start, Bywater moved steadily up in place from 236th at the 1000 meter mark to his finish spot at 191st. With additional splits at 3K, 4K, 5K, 6.4K and the finish line, Seth improved his position at each one. His finishing time now ranks him as the fifth-fastest 8K runner in the program's history.