FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. ? VMI distance runner Donnie Cowart placed 12th Friday evening in the finals of the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. His time of 8:54.93 is believed to have earned him an All-American honor, which would be the first such award for VMI Track and Field since 2004. Those awards will be officially announced by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) throughout the remainder of the weekend.

For the second time in the meet, Cowart had a race delayed by inclement weather, as a mid-afternoon thunderstorm forced a shuffle in the evening's schedule. Once the event began, the VMI standout utilized the same strategy he had employed at both the East Regional Championships and Wednesday's first round. He stayed towards the back for the early portions of the race, hoping to utilize a strong leg kick down the stretch. Brigham Young's Kyle Perry, Texas' Jake Morse and others quickly stretched their lead, and the pack broke well apart, ending Cowart's hopes of a top finish.

“Coach Spangler and I are very happy for Donnie, especially because it appears he may receive All-American honors,” said VMI head coach Darrin Webb. “We now look forward to the U.S. National meet in two weeks, and a strong run there.”

Cowart is scheduled to return to action at the United States Outdoor Track and Field Championships, being held June 25-28 in Eugene, Ore. That meet is the qualifying meet for the 2009 World Championships.