February 28, 2004

Track 2^nd at RMAC Championships

Semin, Bailey Athletes of the Meet

            Kearney, NE – Berwyn senior Derek Bailey and Bellwood sophomore Kate Semin were named Athletes of the Meet at the 2004 RMAC Indoor Track & Field Championships but it wasn't enough as Nebraska-Kearney finished second to Adams State on both sides.

            The Loper men saw its streak of six straight titles end as the Grizzlies tallied 170 points to 158 for UNK. Adams had won six of the first eight RMAC titles before UNK began its title run in 1998.

            The Adams women won its 12^th title in convincing fashion, scoring 184.5 points with UNK second for the fifth straight year (158.5).

            Semin won the 200 (25.94) and 400 (57.25) dashes today, along with helping the 4 x 400 relay team (4:01.10) place first. She also placed third in the triple jump (38-0.50) and was seventh in the high jump (5-3.25).

            Also on that winning relay team were Hildreth senior Kathryn Alt, Lexington junior Andrea Andersen and Springfield junior Denise Kolar.

            On the men's side, Bailey didn't win any events but he placed second in the 60 meter hurdles (8.26) and high jump (6-10.50) and was fourth in the triple jump (46-1.50).

            And after wining the weight throw last night, Kansas senior Nate Wheat placed first in the shot put with a toss of 57-8.50. Subsequently, he joined Jesus Solis of Adams State as the RMAC's nominees for Regional Athlete of the Year.

            Other highlights for the men included Lexington senior John Laux winning the triple jump for the third straight year (49-11.25). Kansas senior Skyler Price was third (48-0).

            Besides Wheat winning the shot, four other Lopers scored in the event, including Eustis sophomore Lance Pfeiffer who placed second (55-11.50).

            Finally, Brady sophomore Lane Fattig had a third place effort in the 400 (51.02).

            For the women, Culbertson freshman Sara Wagner won the triple jump (38-9.75) after placing second in the long jump yesterday. Also placing second was Central City sophomore Shauna Birchard in the shot put (46-5).

            On the track, Minden sophomore Amber Burke was third in the 60 meter dash (7.80). Collecting fourth place finishes were Kolar in the 400 (1:00.12) and Alt in the 800 (2:18.25).

            UNK is off until the NCAA Championships in two weeks.