EUGENE, Oregon—Any time a feat happens that hasn't in a decade, it is quite an accomplishment.

Zachaeus Beard finished eighth in the men's 100-meter dash, running a 10.10 to earn First Team All-American, highlighting the final day of competition for Northwestern State at the 2024 nationals on the campus of the University of Oregon.

The last first team selection in the men's 100 was Justin Walker, who finished fourth in the event in 2014.

"Zach had a great day," head coach Mike Heimerman said. "That's a huge accomplishment. That was an amazing race. He led for most of the race and just got a little tight at the end.

"He has had an amazing season and he has the Olympic trails in a couple of weeks which I think he will run faster."

Like he always does, the senior recorded a quick start and led for much of the race before being edged out.

Houston's Louie Hinchliffe came away with the title, running a blazing 9.95, narrowly beating out a pair of Auburn runners, Favour Ashe (9.99) and Kanyinsola Ajayi (10.01), who finished second and third, respectively.

Beard's finishes his NSU career as one of the more decorated male sprinters in school history, with his name all across the program record book.

He finishes his collegiate career with his head held high.

"It feels sour, but sweet all at the same time," Beard said. "It's crazy actually. I thank God through it all. I gave NSU track and field everything I had. There is no way I can't leave happy. Much love.
ZEB out."

At the same time the 100 finished, Diamante Gumbs was taking part in the men's discus, finishing 19^th in the event and earning honorable mention All-American.

He tossed a 180-8 to finish 19^th on his second throw. Gumbs' first toss was a 161-6, but bounced back to toss the 180-8 and earned the honorable mention spot.

"DD looked good but was just rushing it, which was killing his finish which means it doesn't go as far," Heimerman said. "It is still a huge accomplishment to make it to nationals."

Gumbs finishes his NSU career with multiple records, including the men's hammer in the outdoor season. Diamante and twin brother Djimon Gumbs leave NSU as two of the most decorated men's throwers in the history of the program.