Men’s distance medley relay blazes track at St. Olaf
Central College
NORTHFIELD, MINN.—Vying for a berth at the NCAA Division III Indoor Championships, an improved showing by the men’s distance medley relay team highlighted the performances of Central College track and field athletes at the St. Olaf Final Qualifying Meet Friday night.
No team scores were kept at the event and Central entered into just six total men’s and women’s events.
Entering with a season-best mark of 10 minutes, 21.38 seconds, coach Joe Dunham loaded the DMR with Jon Specht (junior, Dubuque/Hempstead HS), Blake Morgan (junior, Story City/Roland-Story HS), Kyle Pape (sophomore, Dubuque/Wahlert Catholic HS) and Mark Fairley (junior, Dubuque), looking to record one of the nation’s top times. Despite dropping down to 10:04.44, Dunham says it wasn’t fast enough.
“We’re going to be on the outside looking in unfortunately,” he said. “I’m really proud of our guys, they all ran fantastic. It’s tough because they really did something special tonight.”
Both of Central’s men’s throwers were unable to surpass their previous-best marks this season. In the shot put Nathan Fitzgerald (sophomore, Elkader, Central Elkader HS) mustered a heave of 49-9 while Michael Firkins (junior, Centerville) uncorked a 52-2.50 toss in the weight throw.
Justin Wimbish (junior, Glendale, Ariz./Apollo HS) couldn’t outperform himself either, leaping just 19-7.50 in the long jump.
In the 400-meter dash, Hope Heitman (freshman, Guttenberg, Iowa, Clayton Ridge HS), came up shy of her season-best time by completing two laps in 57.82 seconds.
She finished at the top of the 10-competitor field, but Lorell Stuht (senior, Loveland, Colo.) came up shy of the mark she was looking for after reaching just 54 feet, 0.50 inches
“I’m pleased with our efforts today, but I’m excited for tomorrow, too,” Dunham said. “Everyone will get another chance to compete tomorrow.”
Central continues its northern voyage Saturday, heading to Stevens Point, Wisconsin for the Pointer Final Qualifier. Additionally, Central will be represented at the Wartburg Qualifier in Waverly.
