Central closes out Drake Relays

Central College

DES MOINES — Another cold and rainy day at the Drake Relays produced positive results for the Central College men’s track and field squad.

Of Central’s three Saturday entries, only Logan Mulford (senior, Mount Pleasant) was fortunate enough to have his event moved inside. The high jump was held inside Drake’s fieldhouse, where Mulford equaled his season best at 6 feet, 9.75 inches to place sixth.

“Last year at this time, he had a pretty sore ankle,” coach Joe Dunham said. “He’s got really fresh legs this year and his ankle is feeling pretty good. He’s jumping consistently right now. Hopefully by the time we get to championship season he’ll be ready to jump his best.”

Mark Fairley (junior, Dubuque) also qualified individually for the Relays, earning a spot in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. He finished 13th in 9 minutes 18.24 seconds, just off his own school record of 9:11.59.

“I felt like maybe his legs are heavy from the mileage we’ve been running lately,” Dunham said. Ultimately, I’m pleased with the time he ran on a horrible weather day. I’m definitely excited for what he can do in the next month.”

The quartet of Jon Specht (junior, Dubuque, Hempstead HS), Blake Morgan (junior, Story City, Roland-Story HS), Kyle Pape (sophomore, Dubuque, Wahlert Catholic HS) and Tanner Rathje (junior, Marion, Linn-Mar HS) was 16th in the distance medley relay in 10:37.90.

“The fact of the matter is that they’re pretty tired right now,” Dunham said. “W saw the results of a really heavy week of training two weeks ago and still coming off of that. They still competed hard and gave it their best.”

Central returns to action next Saturday for the Fighting Scot Invitational hosted by Monmouth College (Ill.).