SEWARD, Neb. – Personal bests in two separate races resulted in recognition for Concordia University Track & Field junior Jenna Esch. On Wednesday (April 3), Esch was named the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Women’s Track Athlete of the Week. Esch also earned a GPAC weekly honor on Feb. 14 as part of her impressive 2024 indoor season. Bulldog athletes have combined for seven GPAC Athlete of the Week awards in 2024.
The Hastings, Neb., native and Saint Cecilia High School product Esch claimed first place in both of the events she competed in at the Central College Dutch Invite on March 28. Esch automatically qualified for nationals in the 400 meters with a time of 56.66 (third fastest in school history). She currently ranks No. 1 in the GPAC and No. 6 in the NAIA in the event. Esch also ran 25.53 in the 200 meters for another PR.
This past indoor season, Esch helped the Concordia 4x800-meter relay win the national championship in a school record time of 9:06.48. Esch also earned All-America awards in the 800 meters and as part of the 4x400-meter relay. Esch is a six-time NAIA All-American in her Bulldog career.
Next up for Esch and her Concordia teammates will be the Concordia Invite this Friday and Saturday. The event schedule for that meet can be found HERE.
2023-24 GPAC & NAIA Weekly Accolades – Concordia Track & Field
· Women’s 4x800m Relay – USTFCCCA NAIA Women’s Track & Field National Athletes of the Week (Jan. 23).
· Jenna Esch – GPAC Women’s Track Athlete of the Week (Feb. 14, April 3).
· Kylahn Freiberg – GPAC Women’s Track Athlete of the Week (Jan. 24, Feb. 7).
· Abby Gerber – GPAC Women’s Field Athlete of the Week (March 27).
· 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).