July 19, 2007

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador - Marc Kellman, a 2006 graduate of George Mason University, won a gold medal in the triple jump while representing the United States at the inaugural North America, Central America and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) Championships, held at Flor Blanca National Stadium in San Salvador, El Salvador this past weekend. The former George Mason track and field standout helped Team USA dominate the meet by winning one of the team's 28 gold medals, the most of any country. The United States also won nine silver medals and six bronze for a total of 43 medals.

Kellman hit his gold-medal winning jump on his fifth attempt, leaping 16.50 meters (54 ft. 1.75 in.). His previous high mark was 16.02 meters (52 ft. 6.75 in.), which he reached on his second jump of the afternoon. In winning the top honor at the championships, Kellman defeated Allen Simms, who spent his freshman season of 2001 at George Mason before transferring to USC to finish his career. Simms, representing Puerto Rico at the meet, finished second with a mark of 16.37 meters (53 ft. 8.5 in.).

Kellman concluded his career at George Mason following the 2006 season as a three-time All-American, ranking fourth all-time in school history in the triple jump with a mark of 16.43 meters (53 ft. 11 in.). He registered that mark at the 2006 Indoor Track and Field Championships, where he finished second in the entire nation in the triple jump. In addition to the All-America accolades, Kellman was also a two-time IC4A Champion, two-time CAA Champion and two-time CAA Athlete of the Year award winner.

Of the 28 gold medals won by Team USA, 16 were earned on the men's side with the other 12 belonging to the women. A total of five individuals for Team USA - three women and two men - were able to win multiple events.

The U.S. is one of 32 member nations of the NACAC, one of six regional athletics associations affiliated with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). A total of 26 nations were represented in San Salvador.