May 27, 2004

Semin Qualifies for Finals

Tiefenthaler, Spanel Also Compete at Track Championships

            Kearney, NE – Bellwood junior Kate Semin led the Nebraska-Kearney track team on day one of the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Walnut, Calif.

            The speedy Semin qualified for the 400-meter dash finals by running a personal-best 54.86. The mark is just off the school record of 54.60, set by Danis Gerdes in 1977.

            Semin’s time placed her second in the third heat and was the fourth fastest time overall. Marlene Smith of Lincoln (Mo.) University had the quickest time overall at a 53.08.

            She will also earn All-American honors in the event. In the indoor season, Semin was an All-American in the 400 as well. 

            Also on the women’s side, Butte junior Amber Tiefenthaler placed 14^th in the hammer with a top toss of 163-5. April Burton of Cal State Bakersfield won the national title with a heave of 187-8.

            For the men, Grand Island senior Clark Spanel failed to qualify for the 100-meter dash finals. He ran a 10.57, good for 17^th overall and a seventh place showing in the second heat. The time was also just off his personal best effort of 10.51, set last spring.

            Lerone Clarke of Lincoln and Clement Campbell of New York Tech tied for the fastest time (10.15) with the final spot in the finals coming in at a 10.39.

            Spanel, in the long jump, will be one of five Lopers to compete on day two tomorrow.