Bulldogs off to great start on Day 1 of NAIA National Championships
Behind a strong showing by senior Sara Retzlaff (Pierce, Neb.) and sophomore Jamie Crouse (Belgrade, Neb.) in the women's hammer throw, the Concordia University, Nebraska, Outdoor Track team got off to a strong start on the first day of competition at the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Marion, Ind. on May 24.
Retzlaff and Crouse had each held the school record during the season, but Thursday it was Retzlaff's turn to shine as she raised the Concordia school record which she held (176'5'' on April 25, 2012) with a throw of 179'3". Retzlaff's throw placed her in third in the event, while Crouse's best effort of 169'5'' was fifth overall.
By finishing in the top eight places, both Retzlaff and Crouse automatically earn All-America honors. Retzlaff collected six team points, while Crouse nabbed four overall.
Junior Sarah Kortze (Rockford, Ill.) also delivered a commendable effort in the 10,000m run as she finished the event in ninth place with a time of 37:46.42.
Concordia's 4x800 Relay team of junior Jena Schwalenberg (Columbus, Neb), senior Martha Meineke (Denver, Colo.), sophomore Jenean Williams (North Mankato, Minn.) and senior Bethany Sutton (Lincoln, Neb.) posting a time of 9:23.59 to advance to the Finals tomorrow. The squad was ninth overall in the preliminary round.
With five events completed on the first day, the Bulldog's women's team is currently in sixth place with 10 team points. Azusa Pacific leads the women's competition with 21 points.
MEN'S RECAP
Concordia's men's team received a strong performance of sophomore John Cartier (Las Vegas, Nev.) as he finished fourth in the preliminaries of the 400-meter dash in a time of 47.26 to advance to the semi-finals tomorrow. Cartier's time sets a new school record surpassing the previous record he set earlier this spring of 47.58 on May 5 at the GPAC Championships.
Concordia's 4x800 Relay team of junior Jared Hoffman (Griswold, Iowa), sophomore Adam Prahlow (Florrisant, Mo.), freshman Benjamin Sievert (Frankenmuth, Mich.) and senior David Eads (Bellevue, Neb.) were also impressive in preliminary action, posting a time of 7:45.00 to advance to the Finals tomorrow. The team was eighth overall in the preliminary round.
Two additional Bulldogs moved on to the semi-final round in their respective events. Sophomore Jonathon Becker (Hartington, Neb.) finished the 400m hurdles with a time of 54.92 to place 18th in the preliminary round. Meanwhile sophomore Benjamin Hinckfoot (Colorado Springs, Colo.) delivered a time of 14.69 to place 13th in the preliminarily round of 110m hurdles.
Becker, Hinckfoot and the rest of the Concordia teams will continue action on Friday at the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
CONCORDIA RESULTS – Thursday, May 24, 2012
Women's Team - Field Events
Hammer Throw
3. Sara Retzlaff 179' 3''
5. Jamie Crouse 169' 5''
15. Marlee Denton 153' 2''
Pole Vault
9. Ashley Brown 11' 1.75''
Kellie Fetger NH
Women's Heptathalon (after 4 of 7 events)
11. Lydia Pomerenke
Women's Team - Track Events
4x800 Relay
9. Concordia (Jena Scwalenberg, Martha Meineke, Jenean Williams, Bethany Sutton) 9:23.59
Men's Team - Field Events
Hammer Throw
13. Derek Rodine 175' 11''
Men's Team - Track Events
4x800 Relay
8. Concordia (Jared Hoffman, Adam Prahlow, Benjamin Sievert, David Eads) 7:45.00
13. Benjamin Hinckfoot 14.69 (Advanced to Semi-Finals)
400m Hurdles (Preliminary Round)
18. Jonathon Becker 54.92 (Advanced to Semi-Finals)
200m Dash (Preliminary Round)
13. John Cartier 22.12 (Advanced to Semi-Finals)
400m Dash (Preliminary Round)
4. John Cartier 47.26 (Advanced to Semi-Finals)
24 May 2012
