April 7, 2008

Track Beats Chadron at FHSU Quadrangular

Lopers Add One to Provisional List

     Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney track & field team competed in a rare team scored meet this past Saturday, the Fort Hays State Quadrangular in Kansas.

      Both UNK squads beat Chadron State (women, 97-56; men, 88-45) and lost to Pittsburg State (women, 101-81; men, 88-79) and the host Tigers (women, 101-81; men, 103-73).

      Overall, the Lopers had 19 top three finishes, including seven first place efforts. Fairbury junior Dakota Cochrane joined five others on the NCAA provisional list as he cleared 15-9.25 to easily win the pole vault.

      Ashland senior Jarrod Holz slightly improved in the discus (164-9); he placed third overall and was eighth nationally event on last week's list.

      Next, Kansas sophomore Brandon Karlin recorded a provisional throw (175-0) in the hammer for the next straight week. He finished fourth overall.

      On the women's side, Kansas sophomore Kristen Poljansek won the hammer (143-3) and was runner up in both the javelin (127-2) and discus (132-1). Also in the throws, Gothenburg sophomore Kiley Peterson was second in the shot put (41-10).

      Junior Kelli Dring (Kearney H.S.) had another strong all-around effort, winning the long jump (18-2.50) and coming in third place in the high jump (5-3). On the track, Imperial senior Michelle Dill won at 800 meters (2:17.54) and Sidney freshman Jessie Golden won the 100 hurdles (14.95).

      Finally, Dring and Golden paired up with Curtis freshman Heather Wills and Kansas junior Lacey Sechtem to win the 4 x 100 relay (50.02).

      The Lopers final winner for the day was Ogallala freshman Tanner Fruit in the 3,000 meter steeplechase (10:07.76). Also, Shelton freshman Jake Wissing was second at 100 meters (10.43) and also helped the 4 x 100 relay team place runner up (42.55).

      UNK's 4 x 400 relay team was also second at 3:24.24.

      The Lopers head to Emporia, Kan., this week, competing in the Emporia State Multi-Event meet on Thurs.-Fri. and the Division II Challenge Saturday.