Cartier flies to national qualifying time in 400 as Bulldogs compete at Prairie Wolf Invite
By Taylor Mueller, Sports Information Assistant
LINCOLN, Neb. – As the young indoor track and field season continues to progress, the Concordia Bulldogs took their talents to the Prairie Wolf Invite at the Devaney Center in Lincoln Neb., where they faced numerous teams who provided plenty of tough competition. The Bulldogs held their own, however, and had success in several events.
Junior Ben Sievert got things started when he easily ran away with a first place finish in the 5000 meter run and a time of 15:12.
“I thought my race as a whole went pretty well,” Sievert said. “I was shooting for a sub-fifteen but wasn’t quite able to get there, but I still have to give God all the glory for a great race.”
Senior John Cartier got the Bulldogs another first place finish as he claimed the 400 meter race in 49.00. Cartier also took third in the 200 meter run with a time of 22.48, just a stride behind his teammate and freshman CJ Muller, who continued his own strong season with a time of 22.43 and a second place finish.
Senior Hayden Hohnholt was just edged out at the tape, placing second in the 3000 meter run, finishing with a time of 8:34, earning himself a national qualifying spot.
Fellow senior Jonathon Becker also qualified for nationals on Friday. He blew through the 60 meter hurdles in 8.25, placing him ninth this season on the NAIA leaderboard.
Several athletes had standout performances in the field events as well. Sophomore Cody Boellstorff threw his way to second place in the weight throw with a toss of 59’ 7 ¾”. Right behind him was sophomore Benjamin Schulteis who took third with a throw of 56’ 7 ¼”. On the women's side, freshman Kali Robb put up an automatic national qualifying mark of 44' 5 ½" in the shot put.
Senior Carson Farr placed third in the pole vault, reaching a height of 15’ 3” while sophomore Jacob Kettner took third in the triple jump with a measurement of 44’ 2.”
On the women’s side, sophomore Kim Wood ran strong and edged out the competition to take first in the 1000 meter run with a time of 3:01 while fellow distance teammate and Senior Sarah Kortze took third in the 3000 with a time of 10:14. In the field events, senior Jamie Crouse threw her way to a second place finish 58’ 3 ¾”.
“The team as a whole is starting to come around and hopefully things only get better from here,” Sievert said.
The Bulldogs will host the Concordia Classic, to be held Jan. 31 – Feb. 1 at the Walz Fieldhouse. Multi events on Friday begin at 3 p.m. and then again on Sat. at 8:45 a.m.
