Bluejay sweep men’s, women’s ACCK titles

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN TOM STOPPEL
The Tabor College track and field teams competed Friday in the Associated Colleges of Central Kansas meet in North Newton and brought home a pair of team victories.

The men destroyed the rest of the field, accumulating 226 points. Their nearest competition, McPherson College, managed 131 points.

The women scored 157 points to eke out a win over Bethany College, who had 154.

“This was a big deal for our women,” coach Dave Kroeker said. “They competed well and beat Bethany in the ACCK.”

The women were once again led by the versatile Ashley Malcolm, who captured gold in the triple jump (36-7) and the 400-meter hurdles (1:08.38) as well as completing portions of the championship 4×100 and 4×400 teams.

She teamed with Jennifer Palmgren, Tori Truesdale and Shelby Miller to win the 4×100 (51.03) and ran with Miller, Aftan Lambert and Rebekah Lockhart to take the 4×400 (4:14.12).

Malcolm also took second in the long jump (16-113⁄4) and the high jump (5-0).

“Ashley is pretty much a workhorse for us,” Kroeker said. “She’s in great shape, she’s a great athlete, she trains hard and she’s just a joy to coach.”

Tabor’s other first-place performance for the women came from Heidi Schmidt, who won the 1,500 meters in 5:17.03.

“Heidi had been sick all week and didn’t even practice until Thursday,” Kroeker said. “She was supposed to run in the 5,000 meters but just couldn’t do it.”

Also finishing second in their events were: Jennifer Palmgren in the pole vault a school-record 9-0), the 4×800 team (10:38.63), Shelby Miller in the 200 meters (second, 27.16), and Bridgette Stevens in the 5,000 meters (21:36.92).

Taking thirds were: Amber Wiens in the steeple chase (12:59.13), Breanna Wray in the hammer throw (122-11⁄2), and Lambert in the 800 meters (2:33.65).

Placing fourth were: Miller in the long jump (16-53⁄4), Tori Truesdale in the 110-meter hurdles (17.69), Wray in the shot put (39-81⁄4) and Palmgren in the 100 meters (13.50).

Sarah Lyons placed fifth in the javelin (117-1),

For the men, freshman sensation Doug Pierce won the 110-meter hurdles (15.40), triple jump (42-8) and long jump (22-1⁄4) and was a member of the winning 4×100 relay team (42.73).

Other gold medals were captured by: Matt Rorabaugh in high jump (6-8), Brian Lightner in the 400-meter hurdles (55.38), Caleb Stanton in the 400 meters (49.06), Silas Hibbs in pole vault (13-6) and the 4×400 (3:27.30).

Taking second place were: Matt Lynam in the 10,000 meters (39:47.84), Ryan Haug in the 800 meters (2:04.25), Stanton in the 200 meters (22.95), Chris Baarts in the 100 meters (11.21), Caleb Marsh in pole vault (2nd-13-0), Trent Voth in the 110-meter hurdles (15.63), and Brent Wichert in the hammer throw (147-7).

“For a little guy that’s huge,” Kroeker said of the toss. “That 16-pound ball is a big deal.”

Placing third for Tabor were: Zac Remboldt in the steeple chase (11:18.71), Brandon Voth in the 5,000 meters (18:52.07), Trent Voth in 400-meter hurdles (59.11), Lightner in 110-meter hurdles (15.66) and Wichert in the shot put (42-73⁄4) and discus (128-31⁄2).

Placing fourth were and Baarts in the 200 meters (23.21), Jeff Harms in high jump (6-1). Marsh was fifth in the long jump (20-63⁄4).

Kroeker said he was pleased with the results.

“We had a few kids who were disappointed, but overall we had a very good meet,” he said. “We had a nice day-a little hot. It was nice for the sprinters and jumpers, but not so good for the distance runners.”

Coming-Area fans can view Tabor’s only home meet of the season on Wednesday, April 19, at Reimer Field. The free event begins at 12:30 p.m. for field events and 1 p.m. for running events.

“It’s supposed to be in the mid-70s,” Kroeker said. “It should be a fun day.”

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