May 2, 2004

Men Lead Track in South Dakota

Loper Men Win Six Events

            Kearney, NE – The Nebraska-Kearney track team had 13 top three finishes (10 men, three women) and won seven events at the 80^th annual Howard Wood Relays in Sioux Falls, S.D. this weekend.

            The Loper men won six events, led by Grand Island senior Clark Spanel who took home the gold in both the 100-meter dash (10.8) and long jump (23-1). He also placed fourth in the 200 (21.8).

            Also on the track, the Loper men's 4 x 100 relay team placed first in a time of 42.1 while Brady sophomore Craig O'Dell placed third in the 110 hurdles (season-best 14.9).

            In the throws, UNK was 1-2 in both the discus and shot put. Grand Island senior Scott Jorgensen led the way in the discus (163-0) with Walthill junior Derek Frese finishing as runner up (159-0). Eustis sophomore Lance Pfeiffer took home the gold in the shot put (season-best 55-1) with Kearney freshman Chase Beideck finishing second (53-3). 

            Ansley senior Derek Bailey dominated the high jump with his winning effort of 6-10.7, a season-best effort and good enough to make him a NCAA provisional qualifier in the event. Finally, Bertrand junior Mike Ford was second in the pole vault (16-0).

            Central City sophomore Shauna Birchard led small women's contingency as she won the shot put with a season-best throw of 46-8. The effort is one of the 10 best marks in the event this year.

            Other top finishers for the women were Hildreth senior Kathryn Alt in the 800 (2:17) and Wyoming senior Anglea Sorensen in the 200-meter dash (season-best 25.2). Each placed third in their respective event.

            UNK is at the RMAC Championships next weekend in Hays, Kans.