Larson fourth at halfway point of Drake Relays decathlon

Central College

PELLA—Central College track and field standout Eric Larson (sophomore, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) is fourth overall after the first day of the Drake Relays decathlon.

Larson kicked off his day with a lifetime best in the 100 meters (11.33 seconds) and followed up with strong performances in the long jump (22 feet, 3.75 inches) and shot put (37-2.5). He cleared 6-5 in the high jump and crossed the line in 51.55 seconds in the 400 meters to conclude his first day.

“Eric was solid today,” said associate head coach Jim Fuller. “He had a personal best in the 100 meters and four other very good events.”

The 14-athlete field is filled primarily with Division I and post-collegiate competitors. Jake Arnold of Asics, former Dutch national champion Ethan Miller, and University of Georgia freshman Devon Williams are the only entrants ahead of Larson in the overall standings. He totaled 3,634 points after five events.

The decathlon will resume Thursday at 9:30 a.m. Central will also send a contingent of throwers to the Simpson College Kip Janvrin Open in Indianola to contest the hammer throw and discus throw at 2 p.m.