Men’s and women’s squads qualify five more

The Northwestern track and field team traveled to Sioux Center last Saturday to compete at the Dordt Invitational indoor meet.
The Raiders made the trip a successful one, leaving with 22 top-five finishes among the team. Three more events qualified for the national meet automatically and two more qualified provisionally.
Junior Brandon Hammack thought those who have made it to the national meet are deserving and expects more to qualify as the season progresses.
“We just have to keep our heads down and keep working hard,” Hammack said. “The people that have made nationals are our elite athletes, and the rest of us are working hard trying to get there.”
The women’s side of the team will be sending three more events to the national meet, including senior Krystina Bouchard and junior Brianna Hobbs in the 600m, both finishing less than a second apart at 1 minute 37 seconds. Bouchard took second in the race while Hobbs finished in a close third.
Sophomore distance runner Dawn Gildersleeve also ran well enough for a qualifying spot in the 1000m with a time of 2:59.
Senior Teresa Kerkvliet and freshman Logan Hovland also left the meet having qualified provisionally for the national meet. Kerkvliet made the mark in the 800m with a time of 2:19 and placing second in the event.
Hovland also provisionally qualified in the 1000m, running a time of 2:33 and placing in the top spot in the event.
Other top finishes among the women include freshman Megan Walhof in the 400m (second) running a time of 1:02, junior Amy Van Skike in the 3000m (second) finishing the race in 10:47 minutes and senior Elizabeth Stevens hurdling to a second place finish in the 55m with a time of 8.7 seconds.
“The younger runners, especially the freshman, have brought such a great energy,” Hammack said. “They honestly put their whole heart into the sport. It’s so exciting.”
The Raider men’s squad left the meet with a feeling of accomplishment after having 12 events finish in the top five.
Top competitors include sophomore Jeriah Dunk in the 55m dash (second palce) with a time of 6.53. Juniors Brandon Schuler and Adam Potter competed in the 600m, with Schuler placing second in the event with a time of 1:24. Potter placed third in the race running a time of 1:26.
“It’s been an honor to run next to Jeriah,” Hammack said. “We both have our better races, but it’s so rare that someone will beat you in a race, then congratulate you on your race and be genuinely encouraging.”
NW’s top relays at the meet include the 4×400 (3:26) and 4×800 (8:01) both finishing above all other competition and coming away with first place finishes .
Success was not only seen on the track, but in the field as well. Matt Huseman pulled out yet another victory in the high jump with a leap of 6 feet 8.25 inches.
Senior Kiley Murra also placed second tossing the shot put with his throw of 46-1.5.
The next stop for the squad will be in Seward, Neb., at the Bulldog Invite.