The Dordt University men’s track and field team had two relays qualify for nationals on day two of the Drake Relays held today in Des Moines, Iowa.
Results |
In one of the first races on Friday, the 4×800 relay recorded the team’s best finish, placing fourth among teams from NCAA D-I, D-II and D-III. The team of Payton Mauldin, Cole Zevenbergen, Jebadiah Merkle and Trey Engen crossed the finish line with the eight fastest time in program history (7:37.1), which currently sits fourth in the NAIA. They easily met the NAIA’s auto standard.
The Defenders bettered their previous season-best time and met the provisional mark once again in today’s 4×400 relay. Dordt finished 12th overall with a time of 3:16, seventh fastest in program history and No.2 overall in the GPAC. Relay members include Peyton Miller, Micah Brands, Payton Mauldin and Cole Zevenbergen.
Dordt’s sprint medley turned in a top 10 finish during the evening session, placing sixth overall with a time of 3:28. The Defenders had the fastest time among NAIA teams and the third best time in program history. Medley team members include Luke Wagner, Ryan Schober, Brands and Merkle.
Women’s Highlites
The Dordt University women competed in five relays on day two of the Drake Relays.
Results |
Competing for the first time during the outdoor season, the Defenders 4×800 relay team turned in a fourth place finish in today’s race. Pushed by a familiar foe in rival Concordia, Dordt crossed the finish line with an automatic qualifying time of 9:10.57, good for the third fastest time in the current NAIA rankings. The team of Bethany Ten Haken, Emilee Heynen, Anmarie Stuit and Mika Kooistra posted the sixth best time in program history.
The Defenders 4×400 relay ran a season-best time of 3:51.67 and met the NAIA’s auto standard for the third time during this outdoor season. They finished 10th overall, completing the race with a time of 3:51.67, both the sixth fastest time in the NAIA and in program history. Team members include Stuit, Heynen, Kooistra and Emma Bakker.
