ORIGINALLY WRITTEN TOM STOPPEL
The Tabor College track and field teams competed Saturday at Wichita in the Friends University Invitational.
The men were once again led by Doug Pierce, who captured a gold medal in the 110 hurdles (15.22) and a silver in the long jump.
“This was the first time Doug has ever long jumped,” coach Dave Kroeker said.
“The only person who beat him was a kid who’s been out of college for two years, so Doug has the second-best jump to date in the KCAC.”
Also capturing first place was Matt Rorabaugh in the high jump (6-8).
“Matt improved an inch from last week,” Kroeker said. “He’ll go 6-10 before the season is over.”
Caleb Stanton won the 400 meters for the second consecutive week with a time of 49.23. Brian Lightner took first in the 400-meter hurdles (55.46).
Other top performances by Tabor College men included: Jarod Richardson, third in shot put (44-4); Brent Wichert, third in discus (132-10); Lee Waldron, sixth in javelin; Caleb Marsh third in long jump and pole vault (14-0); Silas Hibbs; fifth in pole vault (14-0); Chris Baarts, fourth in the 100 (10.93) and sixth in 200 (22.60); Ryan Haug, third in 800 (2:07.00); Trent Voth, third in 110-meter hurdles (14.77); 4×400 relay, second (3:25.50, Stanton, Lightner, Jeff Anenson, Mike Beach).
“Our men are steadily improving,” Kroeker said.
Winning first place for the women were Ashley Malcolm in the 400-meter hurdles (1:09.60) and the women’s 4×400 relay team of Malcolm, Shelby Miller, Rebekah Lockhart and Afton Lambert (4:16.41).
Other top finishes included: Breanna Wray, third in shot put; Estey Wichert, fourth in hammer; Malcolm, sixth in long jump and fourth in high jump; Dana Champlin, sixth in high jump; Jennifer Palmgren, fifth in pole vault; Rebekah Lockhart, fourth in the 400; Heidi Schmidt, fourth in the 800 and second in the 1,500 (5:10.00); Bridgette Stevens, third in the 5,000 (21:36.00).
“I don’t know where we are exactly in the conference,” Kroeker said. “Our women are going to have to manufacture some points if we want to catch Southwestern.”
Coming-Tabor returns to action Friday at North Newton to compete in the ACCK meet hosted by Bethel College with action set to begin at 12:30 p.m.
The Bluejays host their only home meet of the season at 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 19.
