YANKTON, South Dakota -- Senior Steven Smith is now the NAIA National Champion in the 3,000m Race Walk after dominating the field Saturday morning in Yankton. 

The South Portland, Maine native crossed first with a time of 12:26.92, almost 45 seconds better then the next finisher. With this effort, Smith also earned All-American honors marking the fifth time he has raced to these accolades. Last season, the Golden Bear was the runner-up in the same event, finishing second only to teammate and WVU Tech's current assistant coach Dan Nehnevaj.

Sophomore Joseph Schmitt is only in his second season competing in the Race Walk and finished third overall during the River States Conference Championship. Schmitt, who hails from Charles Town, West Virginia, was disqualified in the very technical event during the National Championship.

Both Golden Bears will have another opportunity to excel in the Race Walk this year as the outdoor season will begin shortly and they will compete in the 5,000m event.