Those in attendance at the Sioux Center meet on Saturday would describe the day as very cold and windy despite the sunshine; but that didn’t bother the Red Raiders.
NW recorded 37 top-five rankings, divided somewhat evenly with 19 for the men and 18 for the women.
Although the Red Raiders performed excellently, they weren’t the only impressive athletes competing, according to head coach Scott Bahrke.
“There were eight teams competing,” Bahrke said. “The Dordt Defender women were tough because of talented runners in sprints and distance. They were good jumpers, too. [The] Briar Cliff Charger men had talented runners in sprints and distance as well.”
Though they were impressive, the Red Raiders got the best of them.
Senior Alex Van Roekel placed first in the men’s 100m, clocking a speedy 11.05 seconds. Senior Lauren Spranger took first in both 400m with a timed 60 seconds and then teaming with freshmen Rebekah Muilenberg and Emily Sorensen and sophomore Jordyn Oostra in the 4x400m timed at 4:09.9. B.J. Groskreutz took first in pole vault after soaring over 13.05.25.
Junior Jahdai Dunk sprinted for first in the women’s 100m with a time of 12.69 seconds. She also teamed with juniors Jana Vermeer and Bailey Kennedy and freshman Devin Bloemendaal to take first in the 4x100m with a time of 51.15 seconds.
The men’s distance relay team did great as well. Clocking a 3:22 in the 4x400m were sophomores Levi TeBrink and Aaron Lemon, junior Austin Krier and senior Elliott Johnson, who combined their efforts to achieve first place. The 4x800m team was recorded at 8:11 with freshman Peter Hollinger, senior Ryan Weitgenant, sophomore Tim Rose, and Johnson finishing first.
This weekend, the Sioux City Relays could be more challenging as there will be more teams and more talent.
“I feel if we can be confident and just compete hard, then we can put up good numbers,” Bahrke said. “Our athletes push and encourage one another at practice every day. They put in time outside of practice with sleep, hydration and nutrition. God has blessed this team with gifts, and I believe they use them to glorify Him the best they can.”
Today the Morningside Mustangs will host the Sioux City Relays. Competition will begin at 12 p.m. and resume tomorrow at 9 a.m.
