SAU Graduate Bershawn “Batman” Jackson To Be Inducted Into NCAA D-II Track & Field Hall of Fame
Saint Augustine's University graduate and professional track star Bershawn "Batman" Jackson will be among five standouts inducted into the NCAA Division II Track and Field Athlete Hall of Fame in Bradenton, Fla., on the eve of the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships. The induction will take place during the Pre-Championship Ceremony on Wednesday, May 25, 2016.
The inductees were announced by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) on Tuesday, May 24. The other inductees are Carmelita Jeter, Jim Kemp, Clint Prange and Kasia Airent. A Miami, Fla., native, Jackson will be the 14th Hall of Famer from Saint Augustine's University.
Jackson is one of the best track athletes to ever compete at Saint Augustine's University and one of top 400-meter hurdlers in the event's history. His decorated pro career includes a gold medal for winning the IAAF World Title in 2005. He also won a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2009 IAAF World Championships.
A five-time U.S. outdoor champion in his signature event, Jackson captured the Diamond League Title in 2010, and won gold medals in the 4×400 relay at the 2010 World Indoor Championships and 2011 World Championships. He also is a two-time U.S. indoor champion in the 400 dash.
As a collegian at then-Saint Augustine's College, Jackson won the 400 hurdles national title at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships and the 400 dash national crown at the NCAA Division II Indoor Championships in 2004. He also was part of the 4x400 relay squad which won a pair of gold medals at the indoor and outdoor championships that year.
Jackson still holds the NCAA Division II record in the 400 hurdles with a time of 48.48 seconds. He also has the Division II championship record in the event (48.50).