[Track and Field] THREE NATIONAL QUALIFIERS IN SEASON DEBUT

by Lauren Block (SR/Tripoli, Iowa), sports information student assistant

Mason Tangen's Clarke University track and field teams began their indoor season this past Saturday at the University of Dubuque in the "Battle of the Bluff," a triangular meet between Clarke University, Loras College, and the University of Dubuque. Points were awarded to first, second, third, and fourth place finishes in each event. 

The Clarke women were boosted by several achievements, including three national qualifiers. Mikayla Houston (SR/Bolingbrook , Ill.) won the weight throw, with a best throw of 17.35m, hitting the "A" standard mark to qualify for nationals. Chantel Kyler (SR/Shabbona, Ill.) won the high jump with a best height of 1.65m. Kyler's winning clearance is also a "B" standard mark. Breanna Judkins (JR/Franklin, Wis.) won the triple jump with a best jump of 11.19m, qualifying "B" standard for nationals. Judkins also placed third in the high jump, clearing a height of 1.60m. Katelynn Rheingans (SR/Eldridge, Iowa) placed fourth in the shot put with a best throw of 12.03m.  

The women's team scored 18 points and placed third. 

In the men's events, Nick Peterson (JR/Round Lake Beach, Ill.) won the pole vault with a best clearance of 4.35m. Sam Rush placed third in the pole vault with a best clearance of 3.65m. Will Reynolds placed fourth in the 400 meter dash, running a time of 52.97 seconds. Jacob Kwak placed fourth in the 55 meter hurdles in a time of 9.93 seconds. Justin Droessler (JR/Cuba City, Wis.) placed fourth in the high jump, clearing a new personal best high of 1.80m. Tyrell Bailey placed fourth in the triple jump with a best jump of 13.33m.