BHSU Hosts Track and Field Spring Opener

Emily Erickson, Fact Checker|April 12, 2015

Laura M. Howard
Courtney Cassen clears the bar during the women’s pole vault event.

On March 28th the sun was shining above the Lyle Hare Stadium as Black Hills State University men and women track and field hosted the Yellow Jacket Spring Opener.

BHSU did rather well as the season kick off to an amazing start, Avery Allen and Mitch Kraft both received a NCAA provisional qualifying marks. Allen in the discus throw with a toss of 148 feet, placing fifth of 39-01.25 While Kraft in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 9:18.27 ranking as a top 10 in the nation, also winning 5,000-meter run in 15:57.11.

Behind Kraft, Joshua Davis had a time of 16:17.14. In the women’s 5,000- meter run Courtney Chase was second with a time of 19:45.67. In throwing discs Madison Mclaughlin received a gold and silver medal. While Cassidy Koski came in sixth with a throw of 38-08-25.

Jacob Johnson took first place in shot put with a toss of 45-11.25 and placed second in the hammer throw with a throw of 167-08. Johnson also took silver in the discus with a toss of 150-11. Laketon McLaughlin placed third in the shot put with a toss 45-02.25.

First time BHSU runner Kelli Anderson placed third in the 200-meter dash in 25.84 seconds. Baker Diede and Mark Fruechte finished back to back in the 400-meter dash, Diede with a time of 50.72 and Fruechte with a time of 50.92 seconds placing third and fourth.

Kendall Murie took fourth in the 1,500-meter run crossing the line in 4:11.16. Kaitlyn Hadley took third with a leap of 35-11.50.

BHSU runner, Kristin Ruth reflected on the opener, “I would say that it was a good opener, a beautiful day! There were quite a few spectators so that was nice to have people there cheering.”

BHSU’s next track meet is scheduled for April 11, 2015 at Bauer Invite in Rapid City, SD for more information visit bhsuathletics.com/sports/mtrack/index.

 

Ryan Mehalick lands in the sand pit during the men's long jump event.
Ryan Mehalick lands in the sand pit during the men’s long jump event.
Mitch Kraft clears the hurdle before landing in the water pool during the men's steeplechase.
Mitch Kraft clears the hurdle before landing in the water pool during the men’s steeplechase.
Ryan Mehalick clears the bar during the men's pole vault event.
Ryan Mehalick clears the bar during the men’s pole vault event.
Laketon McLaughlin winds up to throw the shot put during the men's shop put event.
Laketon McLaughlin winds up to throw the shot put during the men’s shop put event.