Several Bulldogs shine in weekend meets at UNL, UNK
By Taylor Mueller, Sports Information Assistant
The Concordia men’s and women’s track and field teams wrapped up their second and final day of competitions as numerous members split destinations to compete in meets in Kearney and Lincoln, Neb.
Only a handful of Concordia athletes were sent to Lincoln, a meet that included runners such as Olympian Jeremy Wariner. As one of the smallest schools at the meet, the Bulldogs squared off against NCAA Division I athletes.
Standing out was freshman Kim Wood, who raced to an eighth place finish with a time of 1:35 in the 600 meter run.
"She improved her time by about three seconds, which really bodes well for her future,” head coach Kregg Einspahr said. “She ran an excellent, smart race. She put herself in great position for the conference and national meets."
Also in action was senior Colin Morrissey, who competed in the Invitational 3,000 meter race. Although he led the race for 12 laps, Morrissey held on to finish in eighth place, as he coasted to a time of 8:29.
“He had a very good race,” Einspahr said. “He ran a good, smart pace. As his fitness level continues to come along, he's going to keep getting better. His time will be one of the faster ones in the NAIA.”
Meanwhile, on the other side of the state, the majority of the track team was competing in the Charlie Foster Classic.
Junior Jamie Crouse crushed the competition with a weight throw of 56’3”, to take first in the event. Assistant coach Ed McClaughlin was not surprised, and has come to expect such performances from Crouse. Concordia nearly cleaned house in the event, as sophomore Brittany Erdmann, Freshmen Stephanie Coley and Nicole Perry all placed in the top nine.
Erdmann’s throw of 51’1” was a personal best, while Coley’s toss of 45’4¼” was enough to earn her an automatic qualifying mark in the shot put.
Freshman Cynthia Mick had a good day in the pole vault competition, as her clearance of 11’3” helped her to a fifth place and qualified her for the “B” standard in NAIA competition.
On the track, freshman Thomas Hinrichs topped the competition in the 400 meter dash and took first place with a time of 53.45. Not far behind was junior Garrett Golke, who placed second in 53.51.
In the sand pit, freshman Garrett Blomstedt leapt to a fourth place finish with a jump of 21’11 ¾.
The Bulldogs will be back in action when they will host the Concordia Invitational Meet on Feb. 8.
