[Men's Indoor Track & Field] MOUNT MARTY CROSS COUNTRY AND TRACK & FIELD ANNOUNCES ...
Yankton, South Dakota -
Director of Cross Country and Track & Field, Dan Fitzsimmons, announces 27 newcomers to Mount Marty University's Cross Country/Track & Field program. The '22-'23 signing class includes student-athletes from five states: including 11 South Dakotans, 11 Nebraskans, 3 Iowans, 1 Oklahoman, and 1 Texan. Many of the signees have demonstrated talent in multiple events and sports.
"With this class, we have added both talent and depth to both our men's and women's teams," says Fitzsimmons.
The class includes 10 athletes who will compete in the 100; 12 in the 200; 12 in the 400; 4 in the 800; 2 long-distance runners; 4 pole vaulters; 8 hurdlers; 6 long jumpers; 2 triple jumpers; and 1 high jumper. "With this class, our coaching staff feels like we will have a much more competitive team in the GPAC."
Associate Head Track & Field Coach, Jonathon Becker exclaims, "We have athletes coming in that are poised to help us across the board. We have an especially deep class in the women's sprints and hurdles."
Highlighting the women's class are several all-state performers; including 21-time state medalist Lexi Even (Parker, SD); talented sprinter/vaulter Zelie Sorenson (O'Neill, NE), hurdlers Taylor Hinojosa (Spring, TX.) and hurdler Abby Frey (Omaha, NE); sprinter Isabelle Hardmeyer (Rapid City, SD.); and multi-time state champion Andrea Sucha (Verdigre, NE.). Paige Milliken (Clarinda, IA) and Josey Wahlstrom (FR/Custer, SD) (Custer, SD.) will also be major contributors as dual-sport athletes at MMU. "Overall, this entire recruiting class is a great fit for MMU. We are unable to thank them enough for their faith in the team, Mount Marty University, and our coaching staff. We are excited to have these athletes and we can't wait to get to work this fall semester," says Coach Becker.
Riley Theroes (Wisner, NE.) is the lone distance recruit. Macala Hood (Alliance, NE.), Abrielle Nelson (Wausa, NE.), and Tori Rubendall (Lawton, IA.) will add to a strong hurdle squad. Emily VanHoorn (Milbank, SD.), Sydney Kotz (FR/Papillion, NE) (Papillion, NE.), Paige Sickels (Cambridge, NE.), and Fayth From (FR/Valentine, NE) (Cody, NE.) will add depth to the long sprints. From will also add depth to the jumps with Milliken and Sucha. Carlie Schlosser (Rapid City, SD.) will handle pole vault duties with Sorenson.
The men's recruiting class is led by hurdlers Deagan Puppe (Coleridge, NE.), a multi-time state champion in the 110 hurdles and Michael Beyer (Colton, SD.). Jacob Kueny (Sioux Rapids, IA.) and Tague Tvedt (Clear Lake, SD.) will add some needed depth in the middle distance and distance events. "Both Kueny and Tvedt will also have an immediate impact on our men's cross country team," mentions Coach Fitzsimmons.
Sprinters Connor Meiers (Blanchard, OK.), Gavin Brison (Sioux Falls, SD.), Carl Massa (Hot Springs, SD.), Eliaz Pittman (Lincoln, NE.), and Will Walther (Hill City, SD.) will add both talent and depth to an already potent MMU sprint squad.
Ethan Burnett (Rapid City, SD.) will give the Lancers some added pop in the long and triple jumps. "Ethan is a young man with some tremendous potential," exclaims Fitzsimmons.
"This is one of the best men's classes we've signed in the last 3 years at MMU. They have the attitude and work ethic that will help our men's team continue to push the competitive ceiling," states Coach Becker. "We couldn't be more excited about what they all bring to the table," says Becker.
Men's Track & Field:
Michael Beyer
Colton, SD- Tri-Valley High School
Personal Bests: 110m Hurdles- 15.08, 300m Hurdles- 40.22
Accolades: 4x Varsity Letter winner. 6x State Medalist. DAK 12 Conference 110m Hurdle Champion.
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
"I chose MMU because I know that it has a lot to offer me academically and I know that it is a great school. It is located in a great town where I believe I can excel greatly."
Gavin Brison
Sioux Falls, SD- Sioux Falls Roosevelt High School
Personal Bests: 100m- 11.3, 200m- 22.8
Accolades: 3 varsity letters for track. State Champion relay. 3x State Medalist.
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
"I chose MMU because when I went on a visit they treated me like family. Everyone was so welcoming, they made it feel like home away from home."
Ethan Burnett
Rapid City, SD- St Thomas More High School
Personal Bests: Long Jump- 21'5, Triple Jump- 43'1
Accolades: 2x Triple Jump State Medalist, 2022 Class A 3rd Place Boys Long Jump
Why I chose Mount Marty:
"I chose Mount Marty because it is in a great community and is a great opportunity to further my academic and athletic career."
Jacob Kueny
Sioux Rapids, IA- Sioux Central Sioux rapids High School
Personal Bests: XC 5k- 17:38, 800m- 2:02
Accolades: 4x Varsity XC, 3x Varsity Track, Honor Roll 4x, 4th state 4x800, 2022 9th state open 800 2022, 800 state qualifier 2021, Conference Champ open 800 2022, District Champ open 800, 4x400, 4x800 2022
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
"I chose mount Marty because of its outstanding nursing program. I plan to advance my life by becoming a nurse. Running at MMU is also a great privilege."
Carl Massa
Hot Springs, SD- Hot Springs High School
Personal Bests: 200m- 23.8, 400m 53.0
Accolades: Three time Academic All State in South Dakota. Three time Varsity Letter Winner.
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
"I chose Mount Marty because of the size of the school and the Christian values."
Connor Miers
Blanchard, OK- Blanchard High School
Personal Bests: 100m- 11.4, 200m- 23.1, 400m- 53.1
Accolades: 5th place at Oklahoma State Championships in the 4x1 and 4x2 relay. Three year varsity letter winner. The 4x4 relay also placed 10th at the State Championships.
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
"I chose MMU due to the great environment on campus and the willingness of coaches to build a team environment and bring both team and personal success."
Eliaz Pittman
Lincoln, NE- Lincoln Southeast High School
Personal Bests: 100m- 11.3, 200m- 22.6, Long Jump- 20'8
Accolades: 3x State Qualifier, 2x Varsity Letter Winner
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
Deagan Puppe
Coleridge, NE- Laurel Concord Coleridge High School
Personal Bests: 110m Hurdles- 14.66, 300m Hurdles- 44.3
Accolades: 2x Nebraska State Champion in the 110m Hurdles. 2x District Champ in the 110 hurdles. 2x Academic All State in Track and Field. 4x Varsity Letter recipient in Track and Field
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
"Mount Marty was one of the first universities to contact me during my recruiting process. Coach Becker made it an easy decision for me to join Lancer Nation with his exciting attitude towards the sport. Mount Marty also offers the best nursing education around and the University is only 35 minutes from home."
Tague Tvedt
Clear Lake, SD- Deuel High School
Personal Bests: XC 5k- 16:23, Pole Vault- 12'1, 1600m- 4:54, 3200m- 10:25
Accolades: Academic All State in both cross country and track, 12x Varsity Letter between cross country and track, state medalist in the medley relay, school record in the pole vault, and National Honor Society
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
I chose Mount Marty because it is a small school where the staff really care about you as a person and want you to have a successful future.
Will Walther
Hill City, SD- Hill City High School
Personal Bests: 100m-11.3, 200m- 23.5, 400m- 51.35
Accolades: Two time state medalist in the 400m dash. Conference champion in the 400m dash.
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
"I chose Mount Marty because of the location. The way I felt wanted by the school and coaching staff. I got along with Coach Randy really well and the school size is perfect for me."
Women's Track & Field:
Alexis Even
Parker, SD- Parker High School
Personal Bests: 60m- 7.95, 100m- 12.24, 200m- 25.5, 400m-59.65
Accolades: 21 time State Medalist, 10x State Champion, 6-time varsity letter winner.
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
"MMU is the small school I was looking for, it was the perfect size for me. They have a great nursing program to continue my education. They also have a great facility and a very welcoming team and coaching staff."
Abigail Frey
Omaha, NE- Omaha Northwest High School
Personal Bests: 100m Hurdles- 15.5, 300m Hurdles- 45.9, Long jump- 16'5, 400- 58.9
Accolades: 5x Varsity Letter, City medalist: 4x1, 300mh, 100mh, long jump, 2017 300mh, 100mh, 4x1, 2018.
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
"Why I chose Mount Marty, when I was visiting all the schools I loved something about this place. It's on the water so it was very pretty. The track equipment was brand new and looks incredible! The people there were all so nice to me. When I was narrowing the schools down I knew Mount Marty was going to be a good choice regardless. Therefore, when it came to the day I needed to choose I knew that it would be here. The coach for track also kept checking in on me, and staying in touch with me made a huge difference.
Cody, NE- Valentine High School
Personal Bests: 400m- 1:06, 800m- 2:43, Long Jump- 15'8
Accolades: Volleyball State Qualifier, 2x State Track Qualifier, 4x4 state medalist, 3x high school state rodeo qualifier, Basketball All-Conference, Southwest Conference All Star Basketball Player, Letter winner in volleyball, 4x letter winner basketball, 4 year letter winner in track, 2 year letter winner in speech, letter winner in One Act.
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
"I chose Mount Marty because I fell in love with the school when I first arrived to visit. I was also offered an opportunity to play both basketball and track. Both of my coaches for each sport are great coaches. The people at Mount Marty are also great to be around. My older sister goes to MMU and told me that she loved it there so I thought I would give it a try."
Isabelle Hardmeyer
Rapid City, SD- Rapid City Central High School
Personal Bests: 60m- 7.98, 100m- 12.50, 200m- 26.03
Accolades: 3x State medalist in the 4x1 relay. 4x2 relay state medalist, 100m state medalist, 2x 200m state medalist. 2022 Top Cobbler Award (top leader on team).
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
"The reason I chose MMU is because it felt like family when I visited. The track team was very inviting and the other coaches saw something in me that others didn't. Walking around the campus the first time visiting, everyone wanted you to feel like you belong. MMU is a home and that's why I chose it.
Taylor Hinojosa
Spring, TX- Grand Oaks High School
Personal Bests: 100m Hurdles- 16.1, 300m Hurdles- 45.2, 4x4 split- 58.8
Accolades: 3x Varsity Letter. UIL (Texas) District and Area Team Champs. 2x Area and Regional Qualifier. Bronze medal in the 300m hurdles in Area (2021) and Silver medal in the 300m hurdles in Area (2022).
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
"I chose Mount Marty because out of all the other colleges Mount Marty made me feel like it could be my next home. It was mostly a matter of the heart that I felt – where as compared to other colleges I did not feel the same. I felt this way especially due to the team and the positive affirmations given to me and that gave me faith in MMU and what it could do for me."
Macala Hood
Alliance, NE- Alliance High School
Personal Bests: 100m Hurdles- 16.08, 300m Hurdles- 50.7
Accolades: Western conference scholar athlete. Multi-activity student award. Three year 3 letter award from Alliance High. Academic All State. 4 year varsity letter winner.
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
"I chose MMU because of the campus life and atmosphere that the school offers. The coaches were very encouraging and welcomed me with open arms."
Papillion, NE- Papillion La Vista High School
Personal Bests: 400m- 1:04, 800m- 2:29.3, 4x4 split- 1:02
Accolades:
2x Softball State Champion. 8th place medalist in the 4x4 relay at NE State Championships. State qualifier in the 4x8 relay. 2x State Qualifier in the 4x4 relay. State qualifier in the 800m run. Class A State Journalism 5th place in theme copywriting. 2021 Class A State Journalism Champion. 2022 Class A State Journalism Runner Up. Nebraska State Colleges Multi-Activity Student Award. Monarch Softball Alumni Scholarship. 2022 Metro Track All-Academic Team. 3x Varsity Letter Award in Softball. 3x Varsity Award Letter in Track. 2022 Outstanding Academic Excellence.
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
"Choosing the right college for me was a very stressful decision, but as soon as I had my first visit to Mount Marty I knew right away this is where I wanted to be. Mount Marty feels like a small community rather than just a college, with facilities and students that are more than welcoming. The main reason that I chose MMU was the coaches. All of the coaches demonstrate genuine kindness and determination to not only make their student athletes better in their sport but also as people. I have no doubt that MMU will help lead me and construct a bright future for me."
Paige Milliken
Clarinda, IA- Clarinda High School
Personal Bests: Long Jump- 17'1, 100m- 13.1, 200m- 27.28
Accolades: 3x Varsity Letter Winner, State Champion, 3x State Medalist, Academic All State
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
"I chose MMU because when I went on a visit they treated me like family. Everyone was so welcoming, they made it feel like home away from home."
Abrielle Nelson
Wausa, NE- Wausa High School
Personal Bests: 400m- 1:02.2, 100m Hurdles- 17.2, 300m Hurdles- 48.59
Accolades: 3x Track and Field Varsity Letter. 2x State Medalist in the 300m Hurdles. State Medalist in the 100m Hurdles and 4x400 relay. 2x Academic All State.
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
"I chose MMU because of their sense of community. Everyone cares for the people around them and wants them to succeed no matter what. When choosing a college, I could tell that the staff at MMU just wanted me to find a college that was the best for me, and I'm happy that it was MMU.
Tori Rubendall
Lawton, IA- Lawton-Bronson High School
Personal Bests: 60m Hurdles- 10.6, 100m Hurdles- 17.7
Accolades: 3x Varsity Letter Winner. State qualifier Shuttle Hurdle Relay, Sprint Medley Relay. 2x Honorable mention award. 3x "Give Back" award winner. 2nd team shuttle hurdle. 3x Gold Honor Roll Award.
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
"I chose Mount Marty because everyone is so welcoming and they want to get to know you and your family. I also chose this University because of the bond that I will eventually make with the track team and lifelong friends."
Carlie Schlosser
Rapid City, SD- St Thomas More High School
Personal Bests: Pole Vault- 9'0
Accolades: Varsity Track Letter, Varsity Competitive Cheer Letter, Varsity Sideline Cheer Letter, 6th place State Medalist in the Pole Vault (2021), 4th place State medalist in the Pole Vault (2022), 2022 Region 8 Pole Vault Champion, Student Body Secretary
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
"There are so many reasons I chose Mount Marty! These are the main two reasons that came to mind when thinking about it. The first being the fact that I wanted to be somewhere that I would not only grow academically and athletically, but also spiritually. The second reason I chose Mount Marty is that it just felt like the perfect fit form staff to the coaches and the campus. I knew it was where I wanted to be."
Paige Sickels
Cambridge, NE- Cambridge High School
Personal Bests: 100m- 13.1, 200m- 27.2, 400m 1:02.9
Accolades: 3x Letter Winner. 3 time State Qualifier. State Medalist in the 4x4 relay. Alma Twilight Female Athlete Award.
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
"I chose Mount Marty because it was one of the only colleges that felt like home to me. Though many other colleges reached out to me about track, Mount Marty felt like they wanted/appreciated my abilities the most."
Zelie Sorenson
O'Neill, NE- O'Neill High School
Personal Bests: 60m- 8.08, 100m, 100m- 12.53, 200m- 25.5, Pole Vault- 10'6
Accolades: All A Honor Roll (4 years), Valedictorian, National Honors Society
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
"I chose Mount Marty University because of the sense of connection I felt during the campus tour. All of the staff and students I met were very friendly and made me feel welcomed. Since the campus was small there was a sense of connection that everyone felt like a family. I was looking for a small college but didn't expect to get a feeling like I belonged there right away like I did. I am also planning to be a part of the track and field team. I was really impressed with the coaches, athletes, and the field house and I can't wait to be part of the team."
Andrea Sucha
Verdigre, NE- Niobrara-Verdigre High School
Personal Bests: 100m Hurdles- 16.1, High Jump- 5'5, Long Jump- 15'11, Triple Jump- 34'2
Accolades: 4x Academic All State. 3x School Record Holder (Triple Jump, High Jump, 100mh). 2x NE Class D State Champion in the High Jump. 5th place at State Championships in the 100m hurdles. 2x State Qualifier in the triple jump. 4x Varsity letter winner.
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
"I chose Mount Marty because it is small, close to home, the faculty, and fieldhouse."
Riley Theroes
Wisner, NE- Wisner Pilger High School
Personal Bests: XC 5k- 25:12
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
"I chose Mount Marty because of the close family feeling I got when I visited there. I was very comfortable in the environment and Coach Fischer made me feel very welcomed and we have similar goals for the upcoming season."
Emily VanHoorn
Milbank, SD- Milbank High School
Personal Bests: 200m- 28.2, 1:04.0
Accolades: 2x Track and Field Region Champion, 3x State Qualifier, Major M's in Track and Field and Cross Country.
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
"I chose Mount Marty University because of the sole reason the atmosphere made me feel like home. Along with all the other amazing things including the library, amazing indoor track, and the coaches and teachers. My first visit made me realize that I was going to be pushed to success here. I chose MMU because it's going to be a space where I can thrive and be the best version of myself."
Custer, SD- Custer High School
Personal Bests: 100m- 12.76, 200m- 25.9, 400m- 59.6, 800- 2:23, Pole Vault- 9'6
Accolades: 2x All State Academic, 11x State Medalist,
Why I Chose Mount Marty:
"I mainly chose Mount Marty because of how homey it feels. I come from Custer, which is a small town so we were all a family there. I don't think I could go to a school where you pass someone and you don't know them at all. Mount Marty gives me the family side of college that I was seeking!"