SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – After recording two All-Summit League performances at the 2024 Summit League Outdoor Championships, North Dakota distance runner Luke Labatte was named the Men's Most Outstanding Performer of the Championship, the conference offices announced Wednesday.

Labatte took the track in the 3,000-meter steeplechase on Friday night and claimed the title in a time of 8:50.89. His race was not close, with him winning by over eight seconds. With the win, Labatte successfully defended his titles from the 2022 and 2023 Summit League Outdoor Championships and became the first steeplechase runner to become a three-time steeplechase champion at the meet since Jeff Mettler of South Dakota did it from 2012-14.

On Saturday, Labatte had his second All-Summit League performance of the meet and earned the bronze medal in the 5,000 meters in 14:29.10.

This season, Labatte set new school records in both the 1,500 meters (3:47.45) and 3,000-meter steeplechase (8:38.25) at the Bryan Clay Invitational. He also ran the second-fastest time in the 5,000 meters (14:10.09) at Minnesota. His time in the 3,000-meter steeplechase currently ranks No. 18 in the NCAA and No. 9 in the West Region.

The Most Outstanding Performer of the Championship is determined by a vote of the participating head coaches and is based upon the student-athletes' performance during the Summit League Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Previously, the award was handed out at the championship, but the coaches voted to have them released following the championship.

2024 Summit League Most Outstanding Performers of the Championship
Men's Most Outstanding Performer of the Championship: Luke Labatte, North Dakota
Women's Most Outstanding Performer of the Championship: Nell Graham, North Dakota State
 
Qualifiers for the NCAA West Preliminary Round will be determined later this week, with athletes sitting in the top-48 of the West Region earning bids to the competition. The NCAA West Preliminary Round is scheduled for May 22-25 in Fayetteville, Ark.