Central’s Wilson earn all-America honors

Central College

GRINNELL—Senior Caitlin Wilson (Oakland, Riverside HS) had a career performance in the first day of the NCAA Division III Indoor Track And Field Championships Friday, capturing fourth-place in the pentathlon with a lifetime-best performance of 3,352 points.

“It was an excellent day for Cailtin,” said coach Joe Dunham. “We were excited to see her finish the indoor season on such a high note.”

Wilson surpassed her career best in three of the five events contested, including the 60 hurdles (9.48 seconds), high jump (five feet, 5.25 inches), and 800 meters (2:31.67). She also recorded marks of 30-2.25 in the shot put and 16-5.75 in the long jump.

Meanwhile, freshman Eric Larson (Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) sits in fifth place after the first day of heptathlon competition with 2,680 points. Larson recorded personal-best performances in the 60 meters (7.40 seconds) and shot put (35-5.75) to highlight his first-day score. He also logged a mark of of 20 feet, 9.75 inches in the long jump and cleared 6-4 in the high jump.

“Eric set himself up for some good success tomorrow,” said Dunham. “Whether you are a freshman or a senior, anytime you set yourself up to be an all-American is fantastic.”

Senior Kyle Wood (Newton) experienced a disappointing finish to his indoor season, taking 11th in the prelims of the 400 meters with a time of 49.62 seconds. That mark did not earn him a spot in Saturday’s final.

“We’re proud of Kyle,” said Dunham. “Today was a disappointment, but he is running faster than he ever has at this point in the year. He’s ready for a great outdoor season.”

The meet resumes Saturday with the men’s heptathlon at 9 a.m. Larson’s final three events include the 60 hurdles, pole vault, and 1,000 meters.