Concordia takes five events at the Nebraska Mini Meet

Concordia takes five events at the Nebraska Mini Meet

Led by a new school record from senior Sara Retzlaff (Pierce, Neb.) in the women's hammer throw, the Concordia University, Nebraska, outdoor track teams claimed five events (four women's) in the Nebraska Mini Meet on Wednesday, April 25. 

Women's Summary 

Retzlaff's 53.78m hammer throw not only eclipsed the school record of 53.35m set by sophomore Jamie Crouse (Belgrade, Neb.) earlier this year, it also sent Retzlaff to the NAIA Outdoor National Track and Field Championships as she surpassed the automatic qualifying mark for the hammer throw.  Retzlaff had already qualified in the women's discuss.  In addition, Retzlaff also claimed the individual title in the women's hammer throw, besting University of Nebraska, Lincoln's Carlie Pinkelman's toss of 52.34.

Concordia also claimed three other individual events in the women's competition as senior Bethany Sutton (Lincoln, Neb.) outraced teammates, senior Martha Meineke (Denver, Colo.) and junior Jena Schwalenberg (Columbus, Neb.), in the 800 Meter Run.  Sutton finished the race in 2:15.00, while Meineke posted a time of 2:21.48 and Schwalenberg finished third at 2:23.29. 

The next Bulldog victory came in the women's shot put as senior Lauren Eickemeyer (Houston, Texas) posted a season-best 14.27m to win the event.  Freshman Brittany Erdmann (Chanhassen, Minn.) was just a shade behind, delivering a toss of 13.83m to finish third.  Eickemeyer had already qualified for the NAIA Outdoor National Track and Field Championships, but Erdmann also surpassed the automatic qualifying mark of 13.50m.

The final women's victory came in the Javelin.  Senior Marlee Denton (Fremont, Neb.) nabbed the win with a heave of 39,47m.  Denton's throw was more than three meters better than second place, junior Katie Rich (Tilden, Neb.).  Rich posted a 36.34m toss. 

Men's Summary

Facing a powerhouse, the men's team still found a way to post some impressive performances.

Sophomore Adam Prahlow (Florrisant, Mo.)  earned the lone event victory for Concordia with a time of 4:01.66 in the 1,500m Run.  

Freshman Trey Farmer (Seward, Neb.) was equally impressive in the men's shot put, finishing second with a toss of 15.40m.  Fellow freshman Jose Rojas (Nogales, Ariz.) was third in the event at 14.55m, while senior Derek Rodine (Polk, Neb.) finished fourth with a toss of 14.34m.

The Bulldogs are back in action on Thursday, April 26 as Concordia faces Nebraska Wesleyan in a dual meet in Lincoln, Neb. at 5 p.m.