SEWARD, Neb. – For their performances at the Jim Dutcher Memorial Classic, sophomore Matthew Boyer and junior Jenna Esch were recognized with accolades on Wednesday (April 24). Boyer was named the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Men’s Field Athlete of the Week while Esch was tabbed the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Women’s Track Athlete of the Week. Esch has pulled in three GPAC weekly awards in 2024. Boyer has earned his first career GPAC weekly honor. As a program, Concordia University Track & Field has garnered 12 GPAC Athlete of the Week awards in 2024.
Boyer, who hails from Jefferson City, Mo., shattered the school record in the javelin with his toss of 219’ 1” at the Dutcher Classic. His mark eclipsed the previous school record of 205’ 5” by Kevin Baker in 1986. Boyer leapt to No. 5 nationally in the event while continuing to lead the GPAC. The mark is the farthest in program history, regardless of the type of throws event. Boyer also threw the discus 144’ 7” (fifth place) at the Dutcher Classic.
A native of Hastings, Neb., Esch won both of her events at the Dutcher Classic, beating out the competition in the 400-meter (55.80) and 800-meter (2:18.21) races. Esch’s time in the 400 represented a new personal best that ranks No. 3 on the program’s all-time list. It also places her at No. 1 in the GPAC and at No. 14 on the NAIA national list. Esch is qualified for nationals in the 400 meters and as part of the 4x400-meter relay. She is a six-time NAIA All-American.
The week for Concordia Track & Field is scheduled to include three meets: the Nebraska Wesleyan Invite (April 25), the Drake Relays (April 25-27) and the Rock Chalk Classic (April 27).
2023-24 GPAC & NAIA Weekly Accolades – Concordia Track & Field
· Women’s 4x800m Relay – USTFCCCA NAIA Women’s Track & Field National Athletes of the Week (Jan. 23).
· Matthew Boyer – GPAC Men’s Field Athlete of the Week (April 24).
· Jenna Esch – GPAC Women’s Track Athlete of the Week (Feb. 14, April 3, April 24).
· Kylahn Freiberg – GPAC Women’s Track Athlete of the Week (Jan. 24, Feb. 7).
· Abby Gerber – GPAC Women’s Field Athlete of the Week (March 27).
· Adrianna Rodencal – GPAC Women’s Track Athlete of the Week (April 10).
· Chris Wren – GPAC Men’s Field Athlete of the Week (April 10).
· Zach Zohner – NAIA Men’s Field National Athlete of the Week (Jan. 31); USTFCCCA NAIA Men’s Track & Field National Athlete of the Week (Jan. 30); GPAC Men’s Field Athlete of the Week (Jan. 24, Jan. 31 and April 17).