INDOOR TRACK & FIELD

The HU indoor track and field program brought home seven first place finishes and hit nine NAIA qualifying marks at the Midwest Classic hosted by Indiana Wesleyan on Saturday.

Freshman Shelby Christman punched her ticket twice more to NAIA Nationals over the weekend by hitting the A standard in the 3000 meters with a winning time of 10:02.54, a new PR and the fourth fastest time in the nation. She was also part of the distance medley relay team that not only brought home gold but is currently ranked #1 nationally.

Christman along with Sydney Lambert, Abigail Mays and Emily Tedder turned in a 12:15.68 to claim their spot in the DMR next month in Brookings, S.D. In addition to Christman’s two qualifying marks this afternoon, Christman hit the A standard in the 5000 and the B standard in the mile earlier this season.

The Foresters were also well represented in the 1000 meters where Mays took third but more important hit the A mark for nationals by clocking in at 3:01.31. Her time is the fifth fastest time nationally. Lambert also had a great showing by finishing sixth in 3:02.92 which proved a B standard.

Sydni Ausberry ran a PR of 7.94 in the 60 meters to finish third and go from sharing second in the HU record books to claiming the sole #2 spot.  Rounding out the Foresters’ top five finishes included Aanyah Wright who took fifth in weight throw with a heave of 14.13 meters.

On the men’s side, Dylan Felger, who already qualified for nationals in the 200 and 400 meters, continued his tear as a middle distance runner. His winning time of 1:19.32 in the 600 meters not only proved an A standard but sits as the fastest time among his NAIA peers.

Felger along with Elijah Chesterman, Josiah Sovine and Reece Gibson teamed up to win the DMR in 10:09.82 for the second best time in the nation and an automatic chance to compete at nationals.  Chesterman also automatically qualified in the 1000 meters with his second-place time of 2:30.26. His time is the fifth fastest time across the country.

HU also came home with two provisional qualifying marks. Austin Liepe won the 5000 meters in 15:12.69 which proved a B standard while Reece Gibson finished third in the mile in 4:19.86 which also proved a B standard.

Rounding out the day’s impressive finishes included Cameron Worsham winning the 60 meter hurdles in 8.45 and Noah Bise taking first in long jump with his leap of 6.89 meters.

Next up for the Foresters is the Crossroads League Championships on February 18-19.