Strong second day propels Central men to indoor track conference title
Central College
STORM LAKE — Needing a strong performance on day two to win the Iowa Conference Indoor Track and Field title, the Central College men’s track team delivered in a big way, streaking to its second straight league indoor championship Saturday.
Nursing an 11-point lead after one day, Central outpaced the competition on Saturday, maintaining a 147-128.5 margin of victory over Wartburg. Central’s women scored 90 points to move into third place with 117 points. Wartburg took the crown with 216 points.
“There’s a lot to be said about the effort of our athletes,” coach Joe Dunham said. “Both teams came in really focused today. I’m really pleased with everyone’s efforts.”
Another conference title for the Dutch men—
The Dutch used 24 all-Iowa Conference performances across 12 events to seal the conference crown. Central has now won the indoor conference title five times in the 14 year history of the event.
“It says a lot about our men’s team,” Dunham said. “They really competed well. I would say that in the eight years I’ve been at Central, I don’t know that I’ve been a part of such an amazing effort in all facets of our program. We had a lot of great performances.”
Having already won the 5000 meters Friday night, Cole Decker (senior, Des Moines, Iowa, Dowling Catholic HS) won the 3000 meters in 8 minutes, 37.43 seconds and was runner-up in the mile (4:19.14) on Saturday. His effort warranted Iowa Conference Most Valuable Performer honors.
“It’s a great honor for Cole,” Dunham said. “It was a big goal of his to be able to earn that MVP award. I was really happy that he was able to do it. The work that he puts in each day is pretty significant, it’s great for him to be able to reap the benefits.”
Central’s Dan Roemerman (senior, Iowa City) also came up big, scoring 19 points by winning the 60-meter hurdles (8.22 seconds), finishing second in the 60-meter dash (7.04 seconds) and placing eighth in the 200 meter-dash (22.99)
“He had a fantastic weekend,” Dunham said. “He’s a big reason we are able to celebrate a championship this weekend.”
Setting a meet record in the high jump, Logan Mulford (junior, Mt. Pleasant) cleared 6 feet, 11.75 inches to capture the victory.
Central’s coaching staff was also recognized as co-staff of the year.
“I’m very proud that we were voted coaching staff of the year,” Dunham said. “Our assistant coaches put so much effort into our team and sacrifice a lot for our athletes. Our athletes would be the first to say that we’ve got some of the best coaches in the country.”
Central women surge to third—
Mired in fourth place after Friday, Central’s women’s team rallied to finish third and just three points shy of overtaking Loras in second place.
A scintillating weekend on the track by Abi Davis (senior, Des Moines, Iowa, Dowling Catholic HS) provided a huge boost to the Dutch. Davis accounted for 30 points by winning the 60-meter dash (7.73 seconds), 200-meter dash (25.18), and 400-meter dash (57.14). She was also a part of the winning 4×200 meter relay team and the runner-up 4×400 meter relay team. Davis was named the Most Valuable Performer on the track.
“Abi couldn’t have done a lot more than what she accomplished this weekend,” Dunham said. “She’s had a big target on her back and people have been trying to beat her all year. That’s a lot of pressure on an athlete and she handled it very well.”
Joining Davis on both of those relays was Hope Heitman (freshman, Guttenberg, Iowa, Clayton Ridge HS). Heitman also placed second in the 200-meter dash (25.67) and eighth in the 60-meter dash (8.06 seconds).
Setting the bar higher in the weight throw again this week, Lorell Stuht (junior, Loveland, Colo.) reached 55 feet, 3.75 inches to win the event.
“She’s improving every single weekend.” Dunham said. “She’s gaining confidence and I’m pleased with where she’s at right now.”
Central will send a select group of athletes to a pair of meets in Wisconsin next weekend in an effort to qualify for the NCAA Division III Indoor Championships. The Dutch will head to the Wis.-Platteville Last Chance on Friday and the Wis.-Stevens Point Qualifier on Saturday.
