In the NAIA you have 10 academic semesters to go through your eligibility. Doesn't matter how far apart these semesters are.
He likely ran for a couple seasons, life happened, joined the army, and is now back to zone in on his education....and just run.
I went to this small NAIA school in Indiana for a while. We had a 37yr old smoker, ex-marine, with long hair, and scarred face (due to auto accident). He went to Indiana for a couple years in the 80s, dropped out, got into trouble, joined the army to get "squared away", took a class here and there. Eventually started full-time at this NAIA school. He completed his eligibility and finally graduated after changing majors a few times with something like 160+ credit hours. Fun guy to have on the team. Also worked harder than most guys on our team. 37yr old smoker and all, he ran 28s for 8k XC and a 2:45 marathon.
"What makes the grass grow?!...."
Alan