Eugene, Ore. – Jonathon Sawyer ran a 46.39 in the first round of the 400m but was unable to advance to the next round, Friday at the 2020 US Track and Field Olympic Trials at Hayward Field in Eugene.
Sawyer gave himself a chance as he was running step-for-step with the group and was in fourth place with 50 meters to go but couldn't make up the distance finishing fifth in the heat. The top three runners from each heat advanced.
"Obviously not the finish we would have liked and Jonathon is pretty disappointed," said SLU track and field head coach
Corey Mistretta. "That being said, I wish people knew the real story behind this young man, the things he has overcome, and the standup guy he has become during his time here. We have a special group of guys and girls who have trained alongside him and they know the hard work he puts in and that he deserves everything he has accomplished this year. Making the NCAA Championship meet and USA Olympic Trials is not easy and he should be extremely proud of himself. It has been an unforgettable season."
Sawyer, an Austin, Texas native, finishes his SLU career holding indoor school records in the 200m (20.99), 400m (46.23) and 4x400 relay (3:07.67). The senior also has the all-time school high mark in the 400m outdoor (45.18) and 4x400m (3:04.88).
While Sawyer's SLU career is done, he was extremely appreciative of his time with the school and growth as an athlete propelled by Mistretta's tutelage.
"I came into Southeastern as a great athlete, but not so great track athlete," said Sawyer. But coach (Mistretta) knew what I was capable of before I even knew. My PR outdoor was 46.50 and my indoor PR was 47.98. Within eight months, coach took 1.7 seconds off of that, which is huge in track. His patience, love and care for me made me feel at home. I got really comfortable with him, and once that happened I listened to every single thing he told me. I never knew I could be this good until he told me. Coach Mistretta has changed my life, and I will forever be thankful. Once I started listening, things started to take a major turn. I went from 'okay' to 'pretty good' to 'who's this Sawyer kid.' The thing is, it wasn't just on the track, he made me a better person off the track as well. And I can't thank him enough for that."
In just two seasons with SLU, Sawyer won the 2020 Southland Indoor Championship in the 400m. The senior was also tabbed Southland Conference Outdoor Male Most Valuable Performer at the 2021 after winning the 400m and finishing third in the 200m.
"I have enjoyed coaching and mentoring him very much," said Mistretta. "He has set an extremely high bar for those who will follow in his footsteps and I look forward to coaching those who accept the challenge.
PODIUM CLUB/S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the track and field program are encouraged to join the Podium Club. Lion alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners. All membership fees and donations to Podium Club are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern track and field program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at
laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting
www.LionUp.com.
SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on Southeastern Track and Field, follow @LionUpTrack and @CoreyMistretta on Twitter, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and subscribe to the SLUathletics YouTube. channel.
TICKETS
For ticket information, please contact the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office at (985) 549-5466 or visit
www.LionSports.net/tickets. Southeastern is implementing mobile ticketing as the primary source for securing tickets for the 2020-21 season. All tickets will be available via e-mail in a PDF format for fans to download on their phone or print at home. Tickets can also be downloaded to Apple Wallet.
