Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney track & field team had 23 top five finishes at the Nebraska Wesleyan Invitational Friday night in Lincoln.

The large non-team scoring meet featured schools from around the area.  For complete retults, click HERE.
Overall, UNK won three events and was runner up four times.

On the men's side, junior Paul Pape (Lincoln H.S.) returned home and won the 800 (1:53.76) with Bertrand senior Matt Shipp finishing second (1:54.97). Two other Lopers cracked the top eight, including Grand Island senior Brandon Wissing.

Wissing was then one of three UNK men in the top nine at 3,000 meters, coming in second (4:21.93).

The Lopers also dominated at 5,000 as four placed in the top six, paced by winner Nick Kizzire. The Bayard senior turned in a 15:15.02.  Next, Morrill senior Allen Osborn was third in the 60 (7:01) and fifth out of 37 runners in the 200 (22.68) with Ogallala sophomore Michael Thalken third in the shot (49-3.50).

In other field events, Lincoln redshirt freshman Dillon Schrodt was runner up (6-6.25) in the high jump, Bertrand freshman Bryce Mason was fourth in the triple jump (44-8.25) and Benkelman junior Kyle Glidden was fifth in the weight throw (57-11). 

Glidden's toss also is an NCAA provisional effort.

East Butler grad Marissa Bongers was the only Loper woman to win, leading the pack at 800 meters (2:20.69). Two other UNK runners placed in the top six as well.

Staying on the track, Broken Bow junior Shelby Hamilton was runner up in the 400 (58.55) and fifth in the 200 (26.40). Holdrege senior Tabitha Kreutzer ran well in these events, coming in fourth in the 200 (26.37) and seventh in the 400 (59.57).

Other top four finishers for the Lopers were Lincoln freshman Nakuya Smith being runner up in the triple jump (36-10.25)), Beatrice sophomore Andrea Howe coming in third in the weight throw (51-10) and Millard West freshman Morgan Hopkins running a 1:43.53 to finish fourth at 600 meters.

UNK is at the Concordia Invitational next Friday and Saturday.