Gulf Shores, Alabama — Friday, May 28 marked the conclusion of the 2021 NAIA National Track and Field Championship. Dordt’s day was highlighted by three individuals and one relay earning All-American honors to conclude the 2020-21 athletic calendar.
Matthew Van Eps concluded his career with a runner-up finish in the 800 meters with a tie of 1:50.19. Van Eps missed the national title by 11-hundreths of a second and earned All-American honors for the 11th time in his career.
Cori De Jong jumped a season best in the high jump by clearing 5-5 and tied for fifth in the event while earning All-American honors. Cassie Brandsma also competed but was unable to clear the opening height of 5-2.
Jacob Vander Plaats moved from tenth to sixth on the final lap of the 1500 to finish off a 3:56.09 and claimed All-American honors. Vander Plaats ran the final 400 in 58.08.
The women’s 4×400 dueled with Marian most of the race for fifth place and finished sixth in 3:49.51 with Anmarie Stuit, Emma Baker, Annika Rick and Mika Kooistra making up the quartet.
The men’s steeple chase was scheduled to run prelims on Wednesday but instead went straight to finals. Nicolas Veldhorst and Eric Steiger ran 13-14 in 9:44.36 and 9:49.08 respectively.
The Defender men finished 14th in the team race with 21 points while the women were 16th with 16.5 points.
