2009 - Indoor Track and Field schedule/results

JANUARY

Jan. 16, 17

Holiday Inn Invite

Devaney Center

Lincoln Neb.

Jan. 17

Doane Field Meet

Doane College

Crete Neb.

Jan. 24

USD Graphic Edge

Univ So Dakota

Vermillion S.D.

Jan. 31

Nicely Invite

Doane College

Crete Neb.

FEBRUARY

Feb. 6, 7

Hillebrand Open

Univ. So Dakota

Vermillion S.D.

Feb. 13

Buena Vista Invite

Buena Vista Univ

Storm Lake Iowa

Feb. 14

Valentines Day Invite

Doane College

Crete, Neb.

Feb. 21

GPAC Championships

Devaney Center

Lincoln, Neb.

MARCH

March 5-7

NAIA Championships

East Tenn. St. Univ.

Johnson City Tenn.

 

2009 - Outdoor Track and Field schedule/results

MARCH

March 28

Hastings Invite

Hastings College

Hastings, Neb.

APRIL

April 1

Midland Throws Meet

Midland Lutheran

Fremont, Neb.

April 3

Concordia Invite

Concordia University 

Seward, Neb.

April 11

Nebraska Invite

Univ. of Nebraska

Lincoln, Neb.

April 18

Doane Relays

Doane College

Crete, Neb.

April 24

Drake Relays

Drake University

Des Moines, Iowa

April 25

Hastings Open

Hastings College

Hastings Neb.

MAY

May 2

GPAC Championships

Mt. Marty College

Yankton S.D.

May 8

Concordia Twilight

Concordia University

Seward Neb.

May 21-23

NAIA National Outdoor Championships

So. Illinois Univ.

Edwardsville Ill.

2009 - Track and Field roster

Men 

Name

Event

Yr.

Hometown

State

High School

Sean Atkins

Sprints

Fr

Fredricksburg

Texas

Fredricksburg

Zach Baedke

Distance

Jr

Fremont

Neb.

Fremont

Matt  Baller

Throws

Sr

Exeter

Neb.

Exeter-Milligan

Travis Besel

Mid Dist

Fr

Denver

Colo.

Denver Lutheran

Brady Betten

Sprints

Jr

Deshler

Neb.

Deshler

Tyson Billings

Distance

So

Valentine

Neb.

Valentine

Adam Birt

Sprints

So

Longmont

Colo.

Longmont

Keegan Bloomfield

Distance

Jr

Blair

Neb.

Blair

Jimmy Boeder

Hurdles

Sr

Portland

Ore.

Nampa Christian

Jason Culbertson

Sprints

Fr

St. Paul

Minn.

Concordia

Adam Dannehl

Pole Vault

Fr

Bertrand

Neb.

Bertrand

Alexandro de los Santos

Throws

Fr

Blue Springs

Mo.

Blue Springs

Chris Dehning

Racewalk

Sr

Lincoln

Neb.

McAllen Memorial

Nathan Dreher

Racewalk

Sr

Ft. Lupton

Colo.

Ft. Lupton

Charles Dunbar

Sprints

Fr

St. Louis

Mo.

Lutheran North

Caleb Egger

Mid Dist

So

Galva

Iowa

Galva-Holstein

Jonathan Erickson

Sprints

Fr

West Point

Neb.

West Point

Nathan Ernstmeyer

Throws

Fr

Elwood

Neb.

Elwood

Bryan Felker

Distance

Sr

O'Neill

Neb.

O'Blarney Stone

Ryan Fricke

Jumps

So

Arapahoe

Neb.

Arapahoe

Joseph Furr

Sprints/Jumps

So

Great Falls

Mont.

Homeschool

Zane Grabau

Distance

Jr

Waterville

Minn.

Cannon Vly Lutheran

David Goeglein

Distance

Jr

Kansas City

Mo.

KC Lutheran

Ricky Gross

Distance

So

Riverside

Calif.

JW North

Jonathan Grotefendt

Distance

Jr

Marine

Ill.

Metro East Lutheran

Jordan Hinrichs

Throws

Sr

Geneva

Neb.

Nebraska Lutheran

Dustin Johns

Throws

So

Elm Creek

Neb.

Elm Creek

Andrew Johnson

Sprints

So

Norfolk

Neb.

Northeast Lutheran

Corbin Jones  

Throws

So

Loveland

Colo.

Mountainview

Daniel Klinge

Distance

Fr

Dubuque

Iowa

Homeschool

Daniel Kober

Hurdles

Sr

Collinsville

Ill.

Metro East Lutheran

Aaron Kortze

Distance

So

Rockford

Ill.

Rockford Lutheran

Caleb Kruse

Mid Dist

Jr

Concordia

Mo.

St Paul Lutheran

Matt Kuske

Distance

Fr

Green Bay

Wisc.

Green Bay Luth

Nick Mann

Jumps

Fr

Auburn

Neb.

Auburn

Zach Meineke

Distance

Jr

Denver

Colo.

Denver Lutheran

Josh Meyer

Distance

Jr

Seward

Neb.

Seward

David Mommens    

Sprints

So

Portage

Wisc.

Portage   

Colin Morrissey

Distance

Fr

Omaha

Neb.

Millard South

Jose Nunes

Throws

Fr

Parker

Colo.

Lutheran Parker

Aaron Prahlow

Distance

Fr

St. Louis

Mo.

Lutheran North

James Refenes

Throws

Jr

Westland

Mich.

Lutheran Westland

A. J.  Robinson

Hurdles

So

Lincoln

Neb.

Northeast

Derrick Rodine

Throws

Fr

Polk

Neb.

High Plains

Drew Rodine

Jumps

Jr

Polk

Neb.

High Plains

Ryan Roehrig

Sprints

Fr

Jamesport

N.Y.

Jamesport

Marcus Ruhl

Jumps/Hurdles

Fr

Exeter

Neb.

Exeter-Milligan

Michael Saalfeld

Mid Dist

Sr

David City

Neb.

Aquinas Catholic

Kevin Schinck

Mid Dist

Fr

Craig

Neb.

Oakland-Craig

Adam Schmidt

Throws

Fr

 

Neb.

Norris

Steven Schultz

Mid Dist

So

Fremont

Neb.

Fremon

Scott Schwalenberg

Distance

Jr

Columbus

Neb.

Columbus

Brock Simonsen

Throws

Sr

Lyons

Neb.

Lyons-Decatur

Colin Spilker

Jumps

Jr

Beatrice

Neb.

Beatrice

Thomas Stolee

Racewalk 

Jr

Perham

Minn.

Perham

Jason Swan

Throws

Sr

Denver

Colo.

Denver Lutheran

Chris Tegtmeier

Racewalk

Jr

Fairbury

Neb.

Fairbury

Luka Thor  

Distance

Jr

Lincoln

Neb.

Northeast

Josh Tonniges

Pole Vault

So

Cairo

Neb.

Centura

Matt Trampe

Distance

Fr

Kearney

Neb.

Kearney

Jordan Tucker

Mid Dist

Sr

Omaha

Neb.

Millard West

Dan Uden

Jumps

Jr

Kenesaw

Neb.

Kenesaw

Jeff Westover   

Mid Dist

Sr

Wahoo

Neb.

Wahoo

Alden Wignall

Distance

Fr

Glenwood

Iowa

Glenwood

Chad Wilshusen

High Jump

Sr

Fremont

Neb.

Fremont

Levi Wiseman

Throws

Fr

La Grande

Ore.

La Grande

Derrick Woods

Hurdles

Jr

Phoenix

Ariz.

Tolleson Union

Women 

Name

Event

Yr.

Hometown

State

High School

MaryLou Andrews

Mid Dist

Jr

Aurora

Neb.

Aurora

Corina Batson

Racewalk

Fr

Fairfield

ME

Fairfield

Brittnie Besel

Sprints

So

Denver

Colo.

Denver Lutheran

Janelle Berning

Hurdles

Jr

Ft. Wayne

Ind.

Concordia

Emily Bourret

Mid Dist

So

Potter

Neb.

Potter-Dix

Danielle Buffington

Hurdles

Fr

Weeping Water

Neb.

Weeping Water

Katie Butts

Throws

Fr

Kalispell

MT

Flathead

Marlee Denton

Throws

Fr

Fremont

Neb.

Fremont

Lauren Eickemeyer

Throws

Fr

Houston

Texas

Lutheran North-Houston

Kayla Engel

Distance

Sr

Columbus

Neb.

Scotus

Taylor Felix

Distance

Jr

Seward

Neb.

Seward

Hannah Ferry

Mid Dist

Jr

Milwaukee

Wisc.

Milwaukee Lutheran

Rachelle Gross

Distance

Fr

Riverside

Calif.

John North

Emily Hansen

Racewalk

Jr

Portland

Ore.

St. Stephens

Brittany Hatchell

Distance

Fr

Las Vegas

Nev.

Faith Lutheran

Ann Hershberger

Mid Dist

Jr

Superior

Neb.

Superior

Katie Herther

Throws

Fr

Sioux Falls

S.D.

Lincoln

Tierra Hubbard

Throws

Jr

 

Va.

 

Toni Hulinsky

Mid Dist

Fr

Bayard

Neb.

Bayard

Rachel Kettner

Racewalk

So

Salem

Mo.

Salem

Katie Klein

Sprints

Fr

Giltner

Neb.

Harvard

Cortney Koepke

Throws

Fr

Pierce

Neb.

Pierce

TaLisa Krecji

Sprints/Hurdles

Jr

Exeter

Neb.

Exeter-Milligan

Katie Lutmer

Mid Dist

So

Omaha

Neb.

Westside

Alicia Marteney

Distance

So

Pawnee City

Neb.

Pawnee City

Danielle Masur

Sprints/Jumps

Fr

David City

Neb.

Aquinas

Martha Meineke

Hurdles

Fr

Denver

Colo.

Denver Lutheran

Anna Meyer

Distance

Fr

Seward

Neb.

Seward

Rebecca Mol

Distance

Jr

Flint

Mich.

Kearsley

Christine Pfeifer

Sprints/Jumps

So

Madison

Neb.

Madison

Jill Pfeifer

Sprints/Jumps

Sr

Madison

Neb.

Madison

Amber Quinn

Sprints

Jr

Bellevue

Neb.

Bellevue East

Jordan Redinger

Sprints

Fr

Phillipsburg

Kan.

Phillipsburg

M'Leigh Rempfer      

Sprints

Jr

Blairstown

Iowa

Benton Community

Sara Retzlaff

Throws

Fr

Pierce

Neb.

Pierce

Amy Sandefur

Throws

Jr

Peyton

Colo.

Peyton

Carly Stokebrand

Throws

Jr

Exeter

Neb.

Exeter-Milligan

Bethany Sutton

Sprints

So

Lincoln

Neb.

Lincoln Christian

Katie Swanson 

Sprints

Sr

Columbus

Neb.

Scotus Catholic

Jacqueline Wiseman 

Distance

Sr

LeGrande

Ore.

LeGrande

Amy Wolf

High Jump

Sr

Saginaw

Mich.

Valley Lutheran

Emily Wolters  

Hurdles

Sr

Atwood

Kan.

Rawlins Co.

Rachel Woodburn

Distance

Sr

York

Neb.

York

Charista Zehnder 

Sprints/Jumps

Jr

Omaha

Neb.

Omaha Concordia

2009 - Coaching staff

Head coach: Kregg Einspahr

Assistant coach (throws): Ed McLaughlin

Assistant coach (sprints, hurdles, pole vault): Mark Samuels

Assistant coach (jumps): Kari Samuels

Asssistant coach (pole vault): Jason Berry

Assistant coach (distance): Suzanne Weeder-Einspahr

Bulldogs kick off season at Holiday Inn Invite

16-17 JAN 2009

Results

The Concordia University track team participated in the Holiday Inn Invite at the Devaney Center in Lincoln, Neb., Jan. 16-17. The Bulldogs were up against many top teams in the meet, making every race very competitive. Concordia placed three runners in the top five of their individual events on Friday and placed many in top spots in the finals. The Bulldogs begin their indoor track season with more than 100 athletes on the roster, the largest team in school history.

In the 1000-meter race, Concordia's Michael Saalfeld placed first with a time of 2:30.42, while Jordan Tucker placed 10th followed by Caleb Egger. Colin Morrissey placed fifth in the mile with a time of 4:27.02. Zach Meineke placed second in the 3000 with a time of 8:37.07, just fractions of a second behind another all-American runner.

On the women's side, MaryLou Andrews placed sixth in the 800 with a time of 2:22.18. Beth Sutton took eighth with a time of 2:23:35. Katie Lutmer placed fourth in the 1000 with a time of 3:01.73 followed by Ann Hershberger in seventh with a time of 3:07.17. Emily Wolters placed 14th in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 9:16, qualifying her for the finals on Saturday. Alicia Marteney placed ninth in the 3000 with a time of 11:05 followed by Rebecca Mol who earned 12th.

The second day of the Holiday Inn Invite brought finals in all events. Wolters started things off for the Bulldogs by placing 14th in the finals of the 60 meter hurdles with a time of 9.72. In the 600, Sutton placed fifth with a time of 1:28.32. She was followed closely by teammate, Katie Swanson, whose 1:28.74 was good for eighth place. Wolters came in 15th with a time of 1:29:60. In the distance medley, a relay race with legs of 1200, 800, 400, and 1600 meters, Concordia's A team took third with a time of 12:41.38 and the B team clocked in at 13:04.08, good for sixth place. The distance medley A team included Lutmer, Andrews, Swanson, and Hershberger. The B team was made up of Marteney, Hannah Ferry, Martha Meineke, Anna Meyer.

Saalfeld placed third in the 600 with a time of 1:11.83. Other Concordia competitors in the 600 included Brady Betten (16th place), Jimmy Boeder (20th) and and David Mommens (25th). In the 200, Joseph Furr placed 17th with a time of 22.93. Concordia's A team won the distance medley race with a time of 10:20.14. The winning medley team included Jordan Tucker, Egger, Saalfeld and Meineke. Concordia's B team placed sixth and included Morrissey, Keegan Bloomfield, Kevin Schinck and Matt Trampe.

Next action for the Bulldogs comes Jan. 24 as they head to the University of South Dakota Graphic Edge Invite in Vermillion, S.D.

Bulldogs win five events at Graphic Edge Invite

24 JAN 2009

Results

The Concordia University track team made its annual trek to Vermillion, S.D., to take part in Saturday's Graphic Edge Invite hosted by the University of South Dakota.

The women began the day with a strong showing from Bethany Sutton in the 800-meter run. She finished third with a time of 2:21.95. In the 4-by-400 meter relay, the Concordia women's "A" relay team finished second with a time of 4:07.01, just behind the host Coyotes. In field events, Charista Zehnder continued to do well in the long jump. Her distance of 17'4" won the event. Lauren Eickmeyer finished fourth in the shot put, throwing 40'9.75"

For the Bulldog men, All-American and NAIA National Champion Michael Saalfeld began the day dominating the 800-meter run with a winning time of 1:54.16, almost two full seconds in front of the second place runner. Zach Meineke also had an impressive performance for the Bulldogs in the 5000-meter run. His time of 15:03.24 beat the second place runner from Morningside by 30 seconds. In field events the Bulldog men claimed victories in the pole vault and shot put while picking up third place finishes in the triple jump and weight throw. Josh Tonniges easily won the pole vault, clearing a height of 15'6", and Jordan Hinrichs won the shot put, throwing 52'11.5". Hinrichs also placed third in the weight throw with a distance of 51'11.25". Drew Rodine competed for the first time this season in the triple jump and took third with a mark of 45'10.5".

Concordia will next be in action Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Nicely Invite hosted by Doane College in Crete, Neb.

Bulldogs have strong showing at Nisely Classic

31 JAN 2009

The Concordia University indoor track and field team took advantage of a short drive to Crete, Neb., over the weekend to take part in two meets held at Doane College.

The majority of the team took part in the Scott Nisely Memorial Track Classic hosted by Doane College. Charista Zehnder had another strong performance for the Bulldogs, taking second in the 55-meter dash and third in the 200-meter dash while also wining the long jump for the third straight week. Bethany Sutton won the 600-meter run with a time of 1:37.90. The Bulldog women dominated the 1,000-meter run as Katie Lutmer took first with Ann Hershberger, Alicia Marteney and Emilie Bourret coming close behind in third, fourth and fifth, respectively. Anna Meyer was victorious in the 3,000-meter run with a time of 10:58.79.

On the men's side, Joseph Furr took first in the 400-meter dash with Jimmy Boeder coming in third. Michael Saalfeld won the 1,000-meter run with a time of 2:33.40, almost two full seconds ahead of second place. Zach Meinke had another strong performance in the mile, taking first, with Jordan Tucker and David Goeglein coming in third and fourth, respectively. Drew Rodine won the triple jump with a mark of 46'2" while Jordan Hinrichs came in third in the shot put, throwing 54'2.75".

Chad Wilshusen and Christine Pfeifer then represented the Bulldogs at the Kip Janvrin Multi-Events Meet, also held at Doane College. Wishushen took second overall with his best mark coming in the high jump (6'6.25"). Pfeifer finished 12th overall with her best event being the 800-meter dash (2:43.55).

In earlier action the Concordia race walkers competed in the Missouri Valley race walk with Chris Tegtmeier taking second place while Tom Stolee, Nathan Dreher and Chris Dehning all had strong finishes (third, fourth and sixth, respectively). On the women's side Emily Hansen finished second with Rachel Kettner finishing fourth.

Next action for the tracksters comes Feb. 6 and 7 as the Bulldogs head to the Hillebrand Open hosted by the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, S.D.

Bulldogs have sweet day at Valentine's Day invite

14 FEB 2009

The Concordia University indoor track team had one last weekend to tune up for the 2009 GPAC indoor track championships, and they spent it at an impromptu Valentine's Day Invite at Doane College. Weather conditions kept the Bulldogs away from meets scheduled at Buena Vista University (Iowa) and Wayne State College.

The Bulldogs, competing mainly against fellow teammates and athletes from Doane College, had success improving their marks for the season. Charista Zehnder won the 55-meter dash with a time of 7.31 and later finished second in an expanded field in the long jump with a mark of 17'8.75". Katie Swanson ran away from the field in the 400-meter dash, winning by more than a second with a winning time of 100.07. Bethany Sutton won the 1000-meter run going away, besting the next finisher by four seconds with a time of 3:08.71. Lauren Eickemeyer took third place in the shot put with a final mark of 40'6". Amy Sandefur threw for a distance of 50' to finish third in the weight throw.

On the men's side Jimmy Boeder earned second place in the 600-meter run with a time of 1:25.32. Caleb Egger was victorious in the 800-meter run, beating teammate Keegan Bloomfield to the line with a time of 2:01.58. Luka Thor won the 3000-meter run with a time of 8:52.91. Thor then completed the sweep of the distance races, winning the 5000-meter run with a time of 15:41.20. In the field events Josh Tonniges cleared 16' in the pole vault to take the win for the Bulldogs. Brock Simonsen finished second in the shot put with a distance of 52'10".

Michael Saalfeld, competing as the sole Bulldog in the Iowa State Classic, took part in the 800-meter run. Racing among the best U.S. collegiate athletes, Saalfeld took fourth place overall and decimated his own school record with a time of 1:50.08. Saalfeld's time in Ames over the weekend is the fastest in the NAIA by nearly two full seconds. His time also qualified him for the United States Indoor Track and Field Championships in Boston, Mass., later this month.

The next meet for the Bulldogs is the 2009 GPAC Indoor Track and Field Championships held Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Bob Devaney Sports Complex in Lincoln, Neb.

Bulldogs win 12 events, set three meet records at GPAC Championships

21 FEB 2009

The Concordia University track team made some history Saturday afternoon at the GPAC indoor track and field championships held at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Neb. Both the men's and women's teams finished second in overall points behind champion Doane, but it marked the first time in GPAC history that both the Concordia men and women have finished in the top two in the same year.

The Bulldog women were led by Charista Zehnder's 123 points. Zehnder scored 27.5 points on her own by winning the 60-meter dash and the long jump. Zehnder also placed fourth in the 200-meter dash and was part of the winning 4x400-meter relay team. For her efforts she was named the women's athlete-of-the-meet.

Also on the women's side, the Bulldogs took first and second place in the 600-meter dash as Katie Swanson nudged out teammate Emily Wolters with a time of 1:35.28. Bethany Sutton won the 800-meter run by almost two full seconds with a time of 2:18.01. In the 1,000-meter run the Bulldogs' Katie Lutmer finished just off the pace, earning second, and Ann Hershberger took fourth place. Lutmer rebounded with a victory in the mile run with a time of 5:08.14. Lauren Eickmeyer took third for Concordia in the shot put with a distance of 40'11". Amy Sandefur and Sara Retzlaff took third and fourth respectively in the women's weight throw with distances of 48'10" and 48'2.75".

The Bulldog men turned in several record-breaking marks at the meet. Michael Saalfeld ran the 800-meter in 1:51.97, besting the meet record of 1:52.58. Zach Meineke crushed the previous conference record in the 3,000-meter run. His time of 8:34.78 bested the old record 8:39.80 held by a Nebraska Wesleyan runner by almost five seconds. Luka Thor followed suit in the 5000-meter. Thor used a strong kick in the final 200 meters to destroy the old record. His winning time of 14:56.22 bested the old record of 15:05.15 set by a Dakota Wesleyan runner in 2005.

Colin Morrissey finished third for the Bulldogs in the men's mile with a time of 4:23.44. Concordia's 4x800-meter relay team made up of Saalfeld, Jordan Tucker, Caleb Egger, and Keegan Bloomfield was victorious with a time of 7:52.26. Drew Rodine was the runner-up for the Bulldogs in the triple jump with a mark of 46'1.5". Josh Tonniges picked up a victory for the Bulldogs in the pole vault, launching himself to a height of 16'.75". Jordan Hinrichs won the shot put, throwing 53'7" while Brock Simonsen finished third with a distance of 52'1.25". Hinrichs finished third in the weight throw and teammate James Refenes finished in fourth place.

The Bulldogs will now set their sights on the NAIA Indoor National Championships to be held in Johnson City, Tenn. held from March 5-7.

Bulldogs bring home All-American honors from NAIA Championships

5-7 MAR 2009

On Saturday the 44th Annual Men's and 29th Annual Women's NAIA Indoor Track and Field National Championships concluded in Johnson City, Tenn. Numerous Bulldogs had top-six finishes, earning All-American honors.

Concordia seniors Jordan Hinrichs and Michael Saalfeld turned in the best marks for Concordia's men at the meet.  Hinrichs took second in the shot put with a throw of 16.74 meters, a new school record.  Saalfeld placed third in the 800-meter run.

The highest finish on the women's squad was turned in by Emily Hansen, who took second in the 3000-meter race walk.  Fourth place finishes were also turned in by Katie Swanson in the 600-meter run and by the women's 800-meter relay team of Emily Wolters, Bethany Sutton, Ann Hershberger and Katie Lutmer.

Top marks for the Bulldogs

  • 800 meter run - Michael Saafeld, 3rd
  • Pole vault - Josh Tonniges, 4th
  • Weight throw - James Refenes, 6th
  • Shot put - Jordan Hinrichs, 2nd (54' 11.25", school record)
  • 3000 meter run - Zach Meineke, 6th
  • 3000 meter race walk - Emily Hansen, 2nd
  • 600 meter run - Katie Swanson, 4th
  • 800 meter run - Bethany Sutton, 6th
  • Long jump - Charista Zehnder, 5th
  • Womens' 4 x 800 - Concordia (Emily Wolters, Bethany Sutton, Ann Hershberger and Katie Lutmer), 4th

Concordia's rosters for nationals

Men

  1. Betten, Brady
    4x400 Meter Relay
  2. Billings, Tyson
    5000 Meter Run
  3. Birt, Adam
    4x400 Meter Relay
  4. Boeder, Jimmy
    4x400 Meter Relay
    4x800 Meter Relay
    Distance Medley
  5. Dehning, Chris
    3000 Meter Race Walk
  6. Dreher, Nathan
    3000 Meter Race Walk
  7. Egger, Caleb
    4x400 Meter Relay
    4x800 Meter Relay
    Distance Medley
  8. Furr, Joseph
    4x400 Meter Relay
    4x800 Meter Relay
    Distance Medley
  9. Hinrichs, Jordan
    Shot Put
    Weight Throw
  10. Jones, Corbin
    Weight Throw
  11. Kober, Dan
    4x400 Meter Relay Prelims
  12. Meineke, Zach
    3000 Meter Run
    4x800 Meter Relay
    Distance Medley
  13. Morrissey, Colin
    4x800 Meter Relay
    Distance Medley
  14. Refenes, James
    0 Weight Throw
  15. Rodine, Drew
    Triple Jump
  16. Saalfeld, Michael
    800 Meter Run
    4x400 Meter
    4x800 Meter
    Distance Medley
  17. Simonsen, Brock
    Shot Put
  18. Stolee, Tom
    3000 Meter Race Walk
  19. Tegtmeier, Chris
    3000 Meter Race Walk
  20. Thor, Luka - Male JR
    5000 Meter Run
    4x800 Meter Relay
    Distance Medley
  21. Tonniges, Josh
    Pole Vault
  22. Tucker, Jordan
    1000 Meter Run
    4x400 Meter Relay
    4x800 Meter Relay
    Distance Medley
  23. Wilshusen, Chad
    Heptathlon
  24. Woods, Derrick
    60 Meter Hurdles
 

Women

  1. Andrews, MaryLou
    800 Meter Run
    4x400 Meter Relay
    4x800 Meter Relay
    Distance Medley
  2. Eickmeyer, Lauren
    Shot Put
  3. Hansen, Emily
    3000 Meter Race Walk
  4. Hershberger, Ann
    1000 Meter Run
    4x400 Meter Relay
    4x800 Meter Relay
    Distance Medley
  5. Lutmer, Katie
    1 Mile Run
    4x400 Meter Relay
    4x800 Meter Relay
    Distance Medley
  6. Marteney, Alicia
    4x400 Meter Relay
    4x800 Meter Relay
    Distance Medley
  7. Mol, Rebeccca
    3000 Meter Run
    4x800 Meter Relay
  8. Retzlaff, Sara  
    Weight Throw
  9. Sandefur, Amy   
    Weight Throw
  10. Sutton, Bethany
    800 Meter Run
    4x400 Meter Relay
    4x800 Meter Relay
    Distance Medley
  11. Swanson, Katie
    600 Meter Run
    4x400 Meter Relay
    4x800 Meter Relay
    Distance Medley
  12. Wolters, Emily
    600 Meter Run
    4x400 Meter Relay
    4x800 Meter Relay
    Distance Medley
  13. Zehnder, Charista
    60 Meter Dash
    200 Meter Dash
    Long Jump
    4x400 Meter Relay
    Distance Medley

Simonsen breaks old mark in discus

28 MAR 2009

Concordia University track and field was in action at a smaller meet hosted by Hastings College this past Sunday.

Notable finishers included Brock Simonsen smashing the school record in the discus with a throw of 177'2", good enough for second place. Simonsen also won the shot put with a throw of 52'2"; both throws qualified Simonsen for the NAIA National Meet in May. Amy Sandefur provisionally qualified for the NAIA National Meet with a throw of 151'11" in the hammer throw. Charista Zehnder won the women's 100 and 200 meter dash as well as the long jump. Zehnder's mark in the long jump also qualified her for the NAIA National Meet.

Bulldogs successful at Midland Throws meet

1 APR 2009

The Concordia University throwers had an opportunity Wednesday night to get in some extra competition, taking part in the Midland Lutheran College thrower's meet in Fremont, Neb.

Brock Simonsen continued his strong 2009 campaign with marks to automatically qualify for the NAIA National Championships in both the shot put and discus. Simonsen was victorious in the shot with a mark of 52'.04", and finished second in the discus with a mark of 157'10.09". Jordan Hinrichs, competing for the first time in the 2009 outdoor season, threw 177'5.5" in the hammer throw, good enough for second. Amy Sandefur won the hammer throw with a toss of 156'2", a mark that also qualified her for the national meet. Carly Stokebrand finished second in the discus with a throw of 134'4.5" and in the hammer at 148'10.5". Freshman Lauren Eickmeyer qualified nationally in the shot put with a personal best of 42'11.5", good enough for second place.

The Bulldogs will now turn their attention to the Concordia Invitational this Friday, April 3, at Bulldog Stadium in Seward, Neb.

Bulldogs fight wind for home meet

3 APR 2009

The Concordia University track team fought a strong head wind but still had a very successful 2009 Concordia Invite home track meet. The meet, originally scheduled for Saturday, April 4, was moved up to Friday because of the threat of snow for the area on Saturday.

For the Concordia women Taylor Felix won the women's 10,000 meter run with a time of 41:02.73 with Anna Meyer following in second with a time of 41:45.76. Emily Wolters was victorious in the women's 400 meter hurdles with a time of 1:03.63, besting second place by almost four seconds. Emilie Bourret won the All-Concordia women's 3000 meter steeplechase with a time of 12:02.55. The Concordia women's 4X400 meter relay team was another winner, beating rival Doane by close to three seconds with a winning time of 4:01.82.

Charista Zehnder had a successful day for the Bulldogs, finishing second in the 100 meter dash at 12.50 seconds, as well as finishing second in the triple jump hitting 35'8". Lauren Eickemeyer finished second in the shot put, throwing 42'9". Bethany Sutton finished second in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:18.81; Sutton was edged out at the line by a NCAA Division II Nebraska-Kearney runner. Former Bulldog Christina Lark returned as an unattached thrower to defeat her old teammates with ease in the hammer throw. Lark had a winning throw of 167'7" with Amy Sandefur coming in second at 158'9", and Carly Stokebrand finishing third at 157'.

For the Concordia men Michael Saalfeld ran away from the field in the 800 with a winning time of 1:51.9. The tandem of Luka Thor and Bryan Felker distanced themselves from the field in the men's 10,000, but Thor out sprinted Felker to the line to win with a time of 32:15.56 while Felker registered a time of 32:16.7. Zach Meineke won the 3,000 meter steeplechase with a time of 8:42.17 followed by fellow Bulldogs Jon Grotefendt and Ricky Gross in second and third respectively. Jordan Hinrichs was victorious in the shot put with a throw of 52'11.5" with Brock Simonsen finishing second with a mark of 52'1.75". Hinrichs also won the hammer throw with a mark of 183'9" while Simonsen won the discus with a throw of 167'1". Other notable finishes for the Bulldogs were Adam Birt (second in the 400 meter dash), Tyson Billings (second in the 5,000 meter run) and Derrick Woods ( third in the 400 meter hurdles).

Next action for the Bulldogs is April 18 in Crete, Neb., at the Doane College relays.

Hinrichs breaks hammer throw record at Doane Relays

18 APR 2009

The Concordia University track and field team overcame windy conditions as they competed in the Doane College Relays in Crete, Neb., Saturday afternoon.

Charista Zehnder won the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.51 seconds before winning the long jump with a mark of 18'8". Katie Swanson was victorious in the 400-meter dash with a time of 58.86 seconds. Emily Wolters won the 400-meter hurdles by almost four seconds, crossing the finish line at 1:02.22. The Bulldogs' Emilie Bourret bested teammates Rebecca Mol and Rachelle Gross in the 3000-meter steeplechase with a time of 11:37.01.

For the Concordia men Luka Thor won the 1500-meter run, edging out Doane's Sufian Kimo with a winning time of 3:59.31. Colin Morrissey ran away from the field in the 5000-meter run, winning by almost 20 seconds with a time of 15:26.03. Jon Grotefendt completed the Concordia sweep in the 3000-meter steeplechase with a victorious time of 9:36.53. Jordan Hinrichs set a new school record while winning the hammer throw with a distance of 187'11".

The Bulldogs will split the squad for the upcoming weekend as some Bulldogs will head to the Drake Relays on April 24, while another group will attend the Hastings Open on April 25.

Bulldogs set records at Drake Relays

24 APR 2009

Despite suffering through the third weekend in a row with less than perfect running conditions, the Concordia University, Nebraska track team had a successful weekend. A majority of the team took part in the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa, while a small number of runners headed to Hastings College, Hastings, Neb., for a last chance qualifier.

Because of the weather, most competitors found it hard to better any of their previous national-qualifying marks. The throwers, however, were very successful. Carly Stokebrand won the hammer throw and finished second in the discus. Jordan Hinrichs and Lauren Eickemeyer each finished second in the hammer and shot put respectively.

At the Drake Relays the Bulldog women set a new record. The women's 4 X 400- meter relay team finished third in the college division with a time of 3:51.51, the fastest time of any GPAC team in the 2009 season. The winning time is also the fifth fastest in the country this season and breaks a twenty-year-old Concordia track record. Members of the relay were Emily Wolters, Katie Swanson, Charista Zehnder and Bethany Sutton.

The 4 X 800-meter men's relay team finished third in the college division with a time of 9:15.81. The winning time is the fastest time this season in the GPAC by over ten seconds and in the NAIA. The Concordia men's distance medley relay team finished fourth in the college division with a time of 10:08.54.

Individually, the Bulldogs had two standout performances. Luka Thor finished fourth in the 10,000-meter run with a time of 31:36.56. Michael Saalfeld finished fourth in the invitational 800-meter run. Saalfeld posted a time of 1:51.61 against a field that included many of the top college 800m runners in the nation.

The Bulldogs will now turn their focus to the 2009 GPAC outdoor championships to be held in Yankton, S.D., on May 2, 2009.

Bulldog men and women GPAC runners-up

2 MAY 2009

The Concordia University women's track team had two of the top five individual scorers, Charista Zehnder and Bethany Sutton, at the 2009 Great Plains Athletic Conference outdoor championship meet.  Both Concordia's men's and women's teams finished the meet in second place behind perennial power Doane College.

Zehnder earned the female, outstanding athlete-of-the-meet honor for her performance in six events, scoring a total of 31.5 points. The next highest performer scored 24 points. In her first event, the 100-meter dash, Zehnder finished second with a time of 12.46 seconds. She also finished second in the 200 with a time of 25.55 seconds, before running as part of both Concordia's 4X100-meter relay team and the winning 4X400 relay team. Zehnder also competed in two field events, earning second place in the long jump and sixth in the triple jump.

Bethany Sutton was Concordia's second top scorer with 23.7 points, just three-tens behind the second overall scorer for the meet. Sutton won both the 400 and 800 with times of 57.32 and 2 minutes, 15.69 seconds respectively. Sutton was also a member of Concordia's 4X400 and 4X800 relay teams.

Other top performers for Concordia's women included Ann Hershberger, finishing second in the 1,500 with a time of 4:46.30. Emily Wolters won the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 1:02.96. Lauren Eickemeyer earned a second place finish in the shot put with a throw of 45'7.25", and Carly Stokebrand took second in the discus with a distance of 140'1".

The Concordia men also finished second behind Doane College. Doane picked up its second title in a row. Luka Thor was the top scorer for the Bulldogs with 20 points individually. Thor won both the 5,000 and 10,000-meter runs for the Bulldogs. Bryan Felker and David Goeglein finished just being Thor in the 10,000 in second and third place respectively.

Other top finishers for the Bulldogs included Michael Saalfeld, who narrowly won the 800 over a runner from Mount Marty. Zach Meineke won the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 9:19.74. The Concordia 4X800 relay team was victorious with a time of 7:48.64. Team members included Michael Saalfeld, Jordan Tucker, Keegan Bloomfield and Caleb Egger. Drew Rodine won the triple jump with a mark of 46'10.75". The duo of Jordan Hinrichs and Brock Simonsen took second and third respectively in the shot put. Simonsen also took second in the discus with a distance of 173'.

The following are the 2009 GPAC All-Conference performers for Concordia University:
Women
Charista Zehnder - 100-meter run, 200, 4X100-meter relay, 4X400, Long Jump, Triple Jump
Katie Swanson - 200, 400, 4X100, 4X400
Bethany Sutton - 400, 800, 4X400, 4X800
Ann Hershberger - 800, 1,500
Katie Lutmer - 1,500
Rebecca Mol - 3,000 Steeplechase
Emily Bourret - 3,000 Steeplechase
Rachelle Gross - 3,000 Steeplechase
Taylor Felix - 10,000
Emily Wolters - 100 Hurdles, 400 Hurdles, 4X100, 4X400
Jill Pfeifer - 4X100
Martha Meineke - 4X800
Hannah Ferry - 4X800
Anna Meyer - 4X800
Lauren Eickemeyer - Shot Put
Carly Stokebrand - Shot Put, Discus, Hammer
Amy Sandefur - Hammer
Sara Ratliff - Hammer

Men
Adam Birt - 400
Michael Saalfeld - 800, 4X400, 4X800
Colin Morrissey - 1,500, 5,000
Matt Trampe - 1,500
Zach Meineke - 3,000 Steeplechase, 5,000
Jon Grotefendt - 3,000 Steeplechase
Josh Meyer - 3,000 Meter Steeplechase
Luka Thor - 5,000, 10,000
Tyson Billings - 5,000
Bryan Felker - 10,000
David Goeglein - 10,000
Dan Kober - 110 Hurdles, 400 Hurdles, 4X400
Drew Rodine - 4X100, Triple Jump
Charles Dunbar - 4X100
Dan Uden - 4X100, Long Jump
Joseph Furr - 4X100, 4X400
Adam Birt - 4X400
Jordan Tucker - 4X800
Keegan Bloomfield - 4X800
Caleb Egger - 4X800
Chad Wilshusen - High Jump
Jordan Hinrichs - Shot Put, Discus
Brock Simonsen - Shot Put, Discus
Matt Baller - Shot Put, Hammer
Corbin Jones - Hammer
Derek Rodine - Hammer

Stadium records rewritten at Twilight meet

8 MAY 2009

Stadium records fell in two field events at the 2009 Concordia University Twilight meet held Friday afternoon at Bulldog Stadium in Seward, Neb.

U.S. Olympic team member Dusty Jonas cleared 7'4.25" to win the high jump while Nebraska's Seth Burney cleared 17'9" to win the pole vault. Both heights were new stadium records.

For the Bulldogs, Charista Zehnder won the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.42 and also won the long jump with a distance of 19'5.5". Other Concordia women to win events were Emily Wolters in the 400-meter hurdles (1:03.64) and Emilie Bourret in the 3000-meter steeplechase (11:46.79).

On the men's side, Concordia's Michael Saalfeld won the 800-meter run, besting the largest field at the meet, with a time of 1:51.10. Luka Thor's strong kick on the last lap of the 5,000-meter run pushed him to a four-second victory  with a time of 14:52.24. David Goeglein won the 10,000-meter run with a time of 33:05.76 to round out the running event winners for the Bulldogs.

In the field events Brock Simonsen took second in the discus and third in the shot put while Jordan Hinrichs finished fifth in the hammer throw with a mark of 174'11".

The Bulldogs will wrap up their season at the 2009 NAIA National Championship Meet to be held May 21-23 in Edwardsville, Ill., at Southern Illinois University.

Saalfeld earns GPAC honor

Concordia's Michael Saalfeld is the GPAC track athlete-of-the-week. Saalfeld, a senior from David City, Nebraska, placed first in the 1000 (2:30.42) and third in the 600 (1:11.83) at the UNL Holiday Inn Invite in Lincoln.  Saalfeld has the top time in both events in the NAIA this season.

Saalfeld earns more conference honors

Concordia's Michael Saalfeld is the GPAC track athlete-of-the-week.  Saalfeld, a senior from David City, Nebraska, posted the NAIA's top time this season in the indoor 800 with a time of 1:50.06 at the Iowa State Open.  He broke his own school record by almost two seconds.  The time also qualifies him for the United States Indoor Track and Field Championships in Boston, Mass later this month.

Zehnder and Einspahr earn honors from the GPAC

Honors for the 2009 Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Indoor Track and Field Season have been announced.

Concordia's Charista Zehnder was named the Hauff Mid-America Sports/GPAC Indoor Track and Field Women's Athlete-of-the-Year. She scored 27.5 points in the GPAC Championships for the Bulldogs.

Morningside's Dave Nash and Concordia's Kregg Einspahr have been named the Hauff Mid-America Sports/GPAC Co Women's Coaches-of-the-Year, while former Concordia athlete and coach Gene Brooks from Sioux Falls earned the Men's Indoor Track and Field Coach-of-the-Year honor.

The top Performances-of-the-Meet and the Coach-of-the-Year honors were voted on by the league coaches. GPAC Athlete-of-the-Year honors went to the highest individual point scorers in the meet. Also, the top eight individuals in each event are considered GPAC All-Conference performers.

The GPAC Indoor Track and Field Championships were held on Saturday, February 21, at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Zehnder earns GPAC honor

Concordia's Charista Zehnder is the GPAC track athlete-of-the-week. Zehnder, a junior from Omaha, Nebraska, won the long jump event for the second week in a row with a leap of 18-5.25 with an NAIA national qualifying mark at the Concordia Invite.  She was also runner-up in the triple jump and ran the anchor leg of the runner-up 4x100 meter relay.

Saalfeld earns GPAC honor

Concordia's Michael Saalfeld is the men's GPAC track athlete-of-the-week. Saalfeld, a senior from David City, Nebraska, won 800 meter run at the Concordia Invitational with a time of 1:51.90. His time is a NAIA qualifying time and is among the top four times to date in the NAIA this year and is a GPAC leading time.

Hinrichs earns GPAC honor

Concordia's Jordan Hinrichs is the GPAC field athlete-of-the-week. Hinrichs, a senior from Geneva, Nebraska, won the shot put and hammer throw at the Concordia Invitational. In the shot put, his mark was 52-11.5 and in the hammer he measured 183-9. Both are NAIA national qualifying marks and rank in the top four marks in the NAIA this year and are GPAC leading marks. 

Saalfeld and Stichka named Athletes of the Year

Concordia University, Nebraska announced Wednesday night that seniors Michael Saalfeld and Whitney Stichka have been named as Concordia's Athletes of the Year for 2008-09.

Saalfeld, a standout for the Bulldogs on the track for the past four years also competed for three years as a kicker on the football team.. Saalfeld is currently one of the GPAC record holders for the longest punt. He booted a punt 83 yards in a 2007 game against Morningside College. Saalfeld also added a year of cross country competition to his resume this past fall.

On the track Saalfeld is currently the Concordia record holder in the 800-meter run for both indoor and outdoor track. His indoor record is 1:50.11 while his outdoor record sits at 1:49.11. Saalfeld also holds the fastest time  for the 800 at the GPAC indoor meet, 1:51.97.

During his four seasons of outdoor and three season of indoor track, Saalfeld has earned seven GPAC conference championship titles, three indoor and four outdoor. Saalfeld is also a five-time NAIA all-American competing in the 800 or the 4X800-meter relay. Saalfeld was the 2007 NAIA National Champion in the 800 for both the indoor and outdoor seasons.

In 2009 Saalfeld was ranked among the top thirty of all competitive United States runners for the 800. He qualified for the USA Track Nationals held in Boston, Mass. Saalfeld has competed internationally in Canada and will again in September 2009 as he was recently named to the USA national team competing in the Deaf Olympics in Taiwan.

During her career at Concordia University, Whitney Stichka has become one of the most decorated Bulldogs ever to step foot on the hardwood. As a three year starter Stichka amassed 1,745 points with 309 assists and 392 rebounds. Stichka holds the record for most points in a single game when she scored 35 points against the University of Sioux Falls at the end of her sophomore year.

A three-time GPAC first team all-conference selection, Stichka has three times been named the conference's Player of the Week as well as multiple times being named the Concordia Booster Club's Athlete of the Week. Stichka holds the distinction as just the second player ever to be named the Concordia Invitational Tournament's Most Valuable Player three times: 2006, 2008 and 2009. Stichka has also been named to the Omaha World Herald's All-Nebraska Team three times.

As a junior and senior, Stichka led the Bulldogs to repeat NAIA Div. II National Tournament appearances. Both times the Bulldogs made it as far as the quarterfinals. After the 2009 tournament Stichka was named to the NAIA Div. II National Tournament, All-Tournament second team. She has three times been recognized nationally by the NAIA. First as a sophomore in 2007 Stichka was named an NAIA Div. II honorable mention all-American. She was selected to the second team in 2008 and finally to the first team following her senior season in 2009.Concordia University, Nebraska announced Wednesday night that seniors Michael Saalfeld and Whitney Stichka have been named as Concordia's Athletes of the Year for 2008-09.

Saalfeld, a standout for the Bulldogs on the track for the past four years also competed for three years as a kicker on the football team.. Saalfeld is currently one of the GPAC record holders for the longest punt. He booted a punt 83 yards in a 2007 game against Morningside College. Saalfeld also added a year of cross country competition to his resume this past fall.

On the track Saalfeld is currently the Concordia record holder in the 800-meter run for both indoor and outdoor track. His indoor record is 1:50.11 while his outdoor record sits at 1:49.11. Saalfeld also holds the fastest time  for the 800 at the GPAC indoor meet, 1:51.97.

During his four seasons of outdoor and three season of indoor track, Saalfeld has earned seven GPAC conference championship titles, three indoor and four outdoor. Saalfeld is also a five-time NAIA all-American competing in the 800 or the 4X800-meter relay. Saalfeld was the 2007 NAIA National Champion in the 800 for both the indoor and outdoor seasons.

In 2009 Saalfeld was ranked among the top thirty of all competitive United States runners for the 800. He qualified for the USA Track Nationals held in Boston, Mass. Saalfeld has competed internationally in Canada and will again in September 2009 as he was recently named to the USA national team competing in the Deaf Olympics in Taiwan.

During her career at Concordia University, Whitney Stichka has become one of the most decorated Bulldogs ever to step foot on the hardwood. As a three year starter Stichka amassed 1,745 points with 309 assists and 392 rebounds. Stichka holds the record for most points in a single game when she scored 35 points against the University of Sioux Falls at the end of her sophomore year.

A three-time GPAC first team all-conference selection, Stichka has three times been named the conference's Player of the Week as well as multiple times being named the Concordia Booster Club's Athlete of the Week. Stichka holds the distinction as just the second player ever to be named the Concordia Invitational Tournament's Most Valuable Player three times: 2006, 2008 and 2009. Stichka has also been named to the Omaha World Herald's All-Nebraska Team three times.

As a junior and senior, Stichka led the Bulldogs to repeat NAIA Div. II National Tournament appearances. Both times the Bulldogs made it as far as the quarterfinals. After the 2009 tournament Stichka was named to the NAIA Div. II National Tournament, All-Tournament second team. She has three times been recognized nationally by the NAIA. First as a sophomore in 2007 Stichka was named an NAIA Div. II honorable mention all-American. She was selected to the second team in 2008 and finally to the first team following her senior season in 2009.

Bulldogs earn more GPAC honors

Honors for the 2009 Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Outdoor Women's Track and Field Season have been announced.

Concordia's Charista Zehnder was named the Hauff Mid-America Sports/GPAC Women's Outdoor Track and Field Athlete-of-the-Year.  Zehnder scored 31.5 points in the GPAC Championships for Bulldogs.  Doane's Virgil Mitchell was named the Hauff Mid-America Sports/GPAC Men's Outdoor Track and Field Athlete-of-the-Year.  Mitchell scored 22.5 points in the GPAC Championships for the Tigers. 

Mount Marty's Laura Wortmann and Nebraska Wesleyan's Bridget Baldwin were awarded the Women's Top Performances-of-the-Meet.  Wortmann earned the honor after her record setting throw in the discus.  Her mark was 168-01 (51.24 meters).  Baldwin set the GPAC 3,000 meter steeplechase record with a time of 10:55.72. Doane's Jared Schuurmans has been awarded the Men's Top Performance-of-the-Meet.  Schuurmans earned the honor after his record setting throw in the discus.  His mark was 183-09 (56.01 meters).        

Kregg Einspahr, head coach from Concordia, was named the Hauff Mid-America Sports/GPAC Women's and Men's Track and Field Coach-of-the-Year. 

Doane's women won the team championship for the eleventh straight year scoring 167 points in the meet.  Concordia placed second and Nebraska Wesleyan was third.

Doane's men won the team championship for the second straight year scoring 207.5 points in the meet.  Concordia placed second and Nebraska Wesleyan was third.

The GPAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships were held in Yankton, South Dakota, at Williams Field.

Tegtmeier finishes second at race walking championships

Concordia senior Chris Tegtmeier took second place in the USA 15K Race Walk Championships last month at the Greenway Trail in Minnesota.  Tegtmeier walked the course in 1:13:49 and finished behind two-time Olympian Tim Seaman, who finished with a time of 1:11:49.

The Race Walk Championship event also served as the USA 15K Junior Race Walking Championships, the USA vs. Canada Race Walk Junior Dual, and the World Master Athletics North America, Central America and Caribbean Region 15K Race Walking Championships. 

Concordia head track and cross country coach Kregg Einspahr was pleased with the result at the Race Walk Championships.  “Overall, it was a pretty good performance by Chris,” said Einspahr.  “He learns a lot at these big competitions, and the experience gained will help him continue to compete at a high level.”  

Michael Saalfeld to run at Taipei Deaflympics

Many people have seen Concordia University senior Michael Saalfeld dominate his respective events on the track:  He's won numerous conference championships and even national championships.  What many people haven't seen is the hearing aid that Saalfeld has in his ear.  Saalfeld is partially deaf, a disability that he shares with his twin brother, Craig, who competes as a track athlete at Emporia State.  It's a disability that the brothers have never allowed to hinder their track and field careers.

From Sept. 7-14, the Saalfeld brothers will compete at the Deaflympics in Taipei, Taiwan.  The brothers hope to bring home gold medals for the US.  Michael will compete in the 800-meter run, while Craig will compete in the decathlon and the high jump. 

Concordia head track coach Dr. Kregg Einspahr discussed his senior runner.  "We've never really talked about the hearing issue," said Einspahr.  "Unless you really know the situation, you'd never know that there was a problem. This is a tremendous opportunity for Michael."    

The United States brought home just one gold medal and eight medals total in the 2005 Deaflympics.  This year, the Saalfeld brothers hope to win three gold medals by themselves.  Michael's best time in the 800 would have won gold at the Deaflympics in 2005.  Craig's best jump in the high jump and best mark in the decathlon also would have won gold in 2005.

Michael and Craig Saalfeld are the sons of Don and Linda Saalfeld and are graduates of David City Aquinas High School.

Saalfeld wins two medals at Deaflympics

Concordia University senior Michael Saalfeld won two medals at the Taipei Deaflympics this past weekend in Taiwan.  Saalfeld brought home a gold medal in the 800 meter run, and his 4 x 400 relay team finished second.

Saalfeld had the best time in the prelims of the 800 (1:55.74), and he qualified for the finals with a time of 1:58.00.  He saved his best effort for last, as he ran a 1:52.89 in the finals to win the event for the United States.

His 4 x 400 relay team qualified for the finals with a time of 3:23.80.  In the finals, Saalfeld and his team finished in second place with a time of 3:15.25, finishing behind Ukraine (3:13.91) and just ahead of Russia (3:15.90).

Michael's brother, Craig, also competed at the Deaflympics.  Craig finished second in the Decathlon and also joined Michael on the 4 x 400 relay team.   

Michael and Craig are the sons of Don and Linda Saalfeld and are graduates of David City Aquinas High School.

Tegtmeier awarded with Al Heppner Scholarship

2009 USATF National Championship 20k racewalk participants Miranda Melville and Concordia University’s Chris Tegtmeier have each been named the recipients of the Al Heppner Scholarship Grants.  This is the second straight year Tegtmeier has earned this honor, as he was co-winner of the Heppner Award last year as well.

The Al Heppner Memorial Fund was established in honor of Al Heppner, an outstanding race walker and aspiring journalist, who was 29 years old when he died in 2004.  The annual award is made from the Al Heppner Memorial Fund managed by the North American Racewalking Institute (NARI) to young athletes who best meet the qualifications set by the Fund’s protocol.  Set up as an endowment fund, it provides a permanent vehicle for members of the race walking community to aid young race walkers who demonstrate great promise in international competition. 

Tegtmeier, a native of Jansen, Neb., finished seventh at the 2009 20k USATF National Championship in Eugene, OR.  He will look to continue competing at the international level with the proceeds from the Al Heppner Scholarship. 

Chris is the son of Bruce and Beth Tegtmeier.