DICKINSON, N.D. – Former Dickinson State University track and field standout Allan Ayala has been inducted into the NAIA National Hall of Fame after a special ceremony at the NAIA National Championships student-athlete experience in Marion, Indiana, earning one of the highest honors in collegiate athletics and cementing his place among the sport's elite.

Originally from Guatemala, Ayala's career with the Blue Hawks from 2006 to 2010 was nothing short of historic. A 12-time NAIA All-American and seven-time national champion, Ayala dominated the 400m hurdles and 4x400m relay, setting a standard few have matched in the history of the NAIA.

"We are very proud of Allan Ayala for this great honor," said DSU Athletic Director and former head track and field coach Pete Stanton. "Allan will certainly go down as one of the top NAIA hurdlers in history. He is only one of two ever to win three straight national titles in the 400 hurdles, and no hurdler since Allan has run a faster time at the national meet."

"Most importantly," Stanton continued, "Allan is a great person who was a tremendous leader and teammate. He pushed his teammates to achieve the same excellence that he competed with and lived his life."

Ayala becomes the fifth member of the DSU men's track and field teams from 2002–2010 to be inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame, a testament to one of the most dominant eras in Blue Hawk track and field history. During that eight-year span, DSU finished either first or second at the NAIA Outdoor National Championships each year.

Ayala's resume is headlined by three consecutive NAIA national titles in the 400m hurdles—a rare feat in the sport—and he only lost that event twice in his entire collegiate career. He was named the Dakota Athletic Conference's "Outstanding Track Performer" four times and received the league's "Outstanding Senior" award in 2010.

He still holds school records in the 400m hurdles, the outdoor 4x400m relay, and the indoor 4x400m relay. His legacy extends beyond DSU as he remains the Guatemalan national record holder in the 400m hurdles.

After his decorated collegiate career, Ayala represented Guatemala in international competition for four years before retiring in 2014. He has since served the sport as a coach, interpreter, and advocate, contributing to the development of track and field both in Guatemala and around the world.

Ayala's induction into the Hall of Fame celebrates not only a phenomenal athlete but also a leader and ambassador for the sport of track and field.