Westmont’s Zola Sokhela capped the Warriors’ final appearance in the NAIA Track & Field Championships with a third straight title in the men’s 800 meters on Friday night in Marion, Ind.
Sokhela overtook the last runner ahead of him in the final 100 meters and won in 1:48.78. It was his fifth NAIA national title.
Earlier in the meet, he finished second in the 1600 to his friend and fellow South African Jason Bowers of Cumberland College of Tennessee. Bowers won the race with a time of 3:47.24, while Sokhela finished in 3:52.94.
Sokhela’s two results from Friday give him 14 NAIA All-American honors in his career.
“Relieved,” was the first word that came to mind when he was asked how he felt after winning the 800. “Up to this point, I’ve run like six races already this week, so I knew it’d be tough. I knew whoever would win would have to break 1:50, so a 1:48 was able to get it done.
“I feel like I’ve run this track a million times, so I knew what the straights felt like, what the curves felt like, and where to position myself. I was ready, and I think I peaked at the right time.”
When Sokhela crossed the finish line, he immediately removed his bib and spun the inside of it toward the cameras waiting for him at the finish line. The inside of the bib read one word, scribbled in light blue ink: “Legacy.”
When asked when this was planned, Sokhela revealed, “The moment we got here. It wasn’t for myself. We’ve had track at Westmont since 1957, and I’m the last person representing Westmont on the track in the NAIA.
“For me, I wanted to put on a race that would represent Westmont. Whatever it is, never leave Westmont out of the question. We’re always going to be here till the end. I wanted to show that.
“I couldn’t be happier to come away with a win that’s bigger than myself. This is for the people who built this program, for the people who came way before me, and for Coach Smelley.”
The completion of the event brings an end to Westmont Track and Field’s time in the NAIA, where they have competed since the middle of the 20th century. Perhaps the most notable piece of continuity to Westmont’s history in the affiliation is that of their coach, Russell Smelley.
Smelley took over as head coach of the Warriors in 1979, and has dedicated his career to growing men and women both in and out of the classroom, and on and off the track, ever since. While this fact will not change when the Warriors begin competition in NCAA Division 2 in the fall, this closing of a chapter in the college’s history provides a great opportunity to reflect on the impact that Smelley has had at Westmont for over four decades.
“It makes me think about all the things I’ve learned along the way,” shared Smelley, who has taken at least one athlete to NAIA Nationals for 44 years in a row. “It makes me think of the individuals I’ve shared this experience with, Rick Ifland being the first, this larger group in the present, and also the women since 1985.
“It’s been a significant part of my life, and it’s important to me that they’ve had a good experience here. Here, our student-athletes have learned the difference between what you want, versus what it takes to get what you want. Abby Rumohr for example, she’s been knocking on the door, and this year she discovered what it takes to become an All-American.
“It’s not just about the performances either, these meets have given us the opportunity to experience cultural events and explore the country.”
Smelley continued, “The NAIA is a great association for athletes, and for friendships, while focusing not just on the outcome, but the participation. I’m going to miss my friends in that regard. We’re all out here because of the young men and women and their growth, and not just about their performance.
“From 1957 to 2023, Westmont represented, and became an integral part of the NAIA.”