THE DALLES, Ore. --- After a year at Concordia Portland, transfer student-athlete Justin Conklin is incredibly excited for a fresh start with Biola Track & Field. 

The 6-foot-6 hurdler and high jumper will still have four years of eligibility for outdoor track when he joins the Eagles and will enjoy a number of new perks as he continues a distinctly Christian education in Southern California: 

"I chose Biola because the campus and location were perfect in every way. I couldn't believe my first year at Concordia University had helped me get to Biola," said Conklin. "Coach Mickey Miela showed unbelievable interest in my track career, and helped me feel that I belong there. I am also excited because Biola has a track on campus to practice on, and I don't have to worry about bad weather anymore!"

Before placing sixth at the 2020 GNAC Indoor Track & Field Championships in the 60m hurdles for the Cavaliers, Conklin was a two-time team MVP for boys track at The Dalles High School and made multiple All-State teams at the 5A level. All together, he was in three state meet competitions, landing on the podium in the 110m hurdles in 2018 with a time of 15.22 and placing third in the high jump in 2019 with a 6'1 effort. 

Running the 110m hurdles at Biola should be particularly enticing for Conklin, as he has the potential to be the first Eagle to ink a sub-15.00 time into the team's record book. Nathanael Belden set Biola's current record last season with a time of 15:04 and went onto to finish second in the event at the 2019 PacWest Championships after running a wind-aided 14.80 in prelims. But Conklin will have that 15.04 time in his sights after he ran a 15.00-flat with 39" hurdles during May of his senior year in high school and finished another heat in 15.05 the week prior.

Academically, Conklin earned a 3.6 GPA in his year at Concordia Portland and intends to major in Cinema and Media Arts at Biola

Justin Conklin will join his new teammates this coming fall as the Eagles prepare for the 2020 outdoor season. More information on the incoming 2020-21 class that will join him at Biola can be found on the Committed Athletes page.