SALEM STATE'S BYNUM SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS
NCAA DIVISION III NATIONAL TITLE IN THE 55-METER DASH

Eddie Bynum III (Lynn, MA) successfully defended his NCAA Division III 55-meter dash title by posting a record time of 6.25 seconds in the final race of his collegiate career at the indoor track & field national championships hosted by Ohio Northern University this weekend.

"I just tried to run as fast as a could and do what I had to do," said Bynum. "It's a great feeling to come out on top again. I know my family and coaches are really proud."

Bynum finished first in Friday's trial heat with the same time of 6.25 seconds en route to defending his crown. Bynum's trial time established a new school record while also being the fastest time for a Division 3 sprinter this winter. Stephen Headley of Springfield College and Joe Reed of Oneonta (NY) State tied for second, sharing a time of 6.34 seconds.

"We were confident Eddie was going to defend his title after he posted the record time in Friday's trial heat," said SSC sprint coach Jeff Rockwood. "It was just a matter of it all coming together for hime again in Saturday's final."

Bynum, in addition to capturing the 55m indoor national crown last year with a time of 6.33, defended his New England, Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference (MASCAC) and All-Alliance championships this winter. Bynum, who posted a 2008 qualifying time of 6.27, is SSC's first ever three-time track All-American and first male track performer to win not just one, but a pair of national titles.

"He looked better than he ever has," said Rockwood when referring to Bynum's title defense. "Eddie has established a quiet confidence and gained tremendous respect from his opponents. It's not a surprise he was able to defend all of his titles, because he was so focused, relaxed and driven. He has an incredibly strong mind-set and executes all of the training steps it takes to be a champion. Eddie deserves all of the credit for what he has accomplished."