Dutch start last chance track and field meets at North Central

NAPERVILLE, ILL. — Four Central College track and field athletes competed Wednesday in the opening events of the Gregory Invitational hosted by North Central College (Ill.).

Already No. 7 on Central’s outdoor 5,000-meter run record board with a time of 14 minutes, 52.95 seconds, Nate Sanders (senior, Waukee) was vying to go even lower on that list. Alas, he clocked in at 15:29.68 to place third Wednesday night.

“I couldn’t be more proud of Nate,” associate head coach Joe Dnhsm said. “He has been an incredible leader for our program. I will truly miss Nate and all he has brought to our program through his leadership and passion for others. Nate had a breakout season outdoors this year and as his coach it was really rewarding to see him begin to reach his full potential. He leaves an incredible legacy and every single person on the team will miss him.”

Adam Sylvia (sophomore, Boston, Mass., Old Rochester HS) was fifth in the same event (15:48.54).

Kennedy Morris (senior, Earlham) won the discus throw with a toss of 138 feet, 8 inches. She was also 10th in the hammer throw (143-4). Theo Baldus (junior, St. Ansgar) was third in the discus throw (145-6) and ninth in the hammer throw (144-3).

Morris and Baldus will join a larger contingent of Central athletes Thursday at the Augustana Twilight Qualifier.