SEWARD, Neb. – A phenomenal indoor season continued for Jenna Esch last week at the Concordia Invite as she sped to the top of the GPAC’s 800-meter performance list. Esch’s efforts led to her being named the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Women’s Track Athlete of the Week, as announced on Wednesday (Feb. 14). Between the men’s and women’s teams, Bulldog Track & Field athletes have combined for five GPAC weekly awards this indoor season.
In a tune-up prior to the GPAC indoor meet, Esch focused solely on the 800 meters at the Concordia Invite and won the race in a personal best time of 2:15.68. That time puts her No. 3 on the program’s all-time list behind only Kim Wood (2:11.03) and Bethany Sutton (2:13.26). Esch’s converted time of 2:14.14 ranks No. 2 nationally while pacing the GPAC.
Esch has achieved automatic national qualifying times in six events this season. Three of those events are individual races and three are relays.
Jenna Esch 2023-24 indoor automatic national qualifying standards
· 400 Meters (56.89)
· 600 Meters (1:33.52)
· 800 Meters (2:14.14)
· 4x400m Relay (3:53.06)
· 4x800m Relay (9:08.93)
· Distance Medley Relay (12:11.86)
Esch and her teammates will be in action this Friday and Saturday at the 2024 GPAC Indoor Track & Field Championships hosted by Mount Marty. For a preview of the conference meet, click HERE.
2023-24 Accolades – Concordia Track & Field
· Women’s 4x800m Relay – NAIA Women’s Track & Field National Athletes of the Week (Jan. 23).
· Jenna Esch – GPAC Women’s Track Athlete of the Week (Feb. 14)
· Kylahn Freiberg – GPAC Women’s Track Athlete of the Week (Jan. 24, Feb. 7).
· Zach Zohner – NAIA Men’s Field National Athlete of the Week (Jan. 31); USTFCCCA NAIA Men’s Track & Field National Athlete of the Week (Jan. 30); GPAC Men’s Field Athlete of the Week (Jan. 24 and 31).