St. Augustine’s freshman Chris Copeland (Lakeland) completed the spring track and field season with a host of athletic and academic honors.

Copeland placed third in the nation in the high jump (6-feet-11.75) at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field National Championships last Saturday in San Angelo, Tex. Copeland earned Most Valuable Freshman awards for St. Augustine’s for the indoor and outdoor seasons and All-CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) honors. Copeland was selected as an All-American for both seasons by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

Academically, Copeland’s honors go on to include the CIAA Academic Honor Roll and a CIAA Scholar Athlete. This past semester, Copeland earned a 3.83 GPA.

St. Augustine’s won the Div. II Outdoor Championships over seven-time defending champion Abilene Christian. The Falcons defeated second-place Abilene Christian 94-86. Senior teammate Joe Kindred won the high jump at the National Championships with a height of 7-feet-2.25.

The title is St. Augustine’s 10th NCAA men’s outdoor track and field championship. The Falcons won the NCAA Div. II Indoor Championship in March.