PUEBLO, Colo. – Augusta University senior Avery Jaynes officially closed out one of the most decorated distance running careers in school history with an All-American performance and a pair of top-15 national finishes at the 2025 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Jaynes finished fifth overall in the 10,000 meters with a time of 29:55.56, earning All-American honors and becoming the first athlete in Augusta University track and field history to reach the podium at the NCAA outdoor national meet. He returned to the track two nights later to place 13th in the 5,000 meters, clocking 15:00.52 in his final collegiate race.

Jaynes entered the national meet after a spring season that saw him rewrite the Augusta University and Peach Belt Conference record books. He first broke the longstanding 10K record—previously held by an Olympian—at the Raleigh Relays, and lowered it again just weeks later at the prestigious Bryan Clay Invitational. His record-setting performances throughout the spring earned him recognition as the 2025 Peach Belt Conference Outstanding Track Athlete.

A two-time Augusta University Male Athlete of the Year, Jaynes was also honored in a private graduation ceremony on campus earlier this month, hosted by Augusta University President Russell T. Keen, EdD, in recognition of his academic achievement while competing at the NCAA Championships.

In cross country, Jaynes was equally dominant. He was named Peach Belt Conference Runner of the Year in both 2023 and 2024, and was a three-time PBC All-Conference selection and two-time USTFCCCA All-Region honoree. He also earned academic distinction from both the NCAA and the Peach Belt during his time with the Jaguars.

Jaynes departs Augusta as the most accomplished distance runner in school history, leaving a legacy built on records, leadership, and national success.