LINCOLN, Neb. – An automatic national qualifying time produced by Rylee Haecker emerged as the big moment of the day as Concordia University Track & Field got back to action on Friday (Jan. 14) at the Graduate Classic hosted by the University of Nebraska. Haecker was one of 17 Bulldogs to compete in the two-day meet, which features athletes from six NCAA Division I schools. The bulk of action for Concordia took place on the track.
The Graduate Classic is part of an active weekend for Head Coach Matt Beisel’s programs, which will be out in full force on Saturday.
A 2021 indoor All-American, Haecker placed second in the 1,000 meters on Friday while striding to a personal best time of 2:58.77 inside the Bob Devaney Center. Haecker beat out opponents from the likes of Nebraska, Creighton and Nebraska-Omaha. Elsewhere in distance events, Grace Reiman ran a PR of 5:22.09 in the mile and Calvin Rohde put forth a ‘B’ national qualifying standard of 2:30.21 in the 1,000 meters.
In the women’s pole vault, Josie Puelz placed second while clearing 12’ 5 ½,” which meant she eclipsed the national qualifying standard for a second time this indoor season. The only other field events participation for the Bulldogs occurred in the men’s high jump, which saw Wyatt Loga place seventh (6’ 4 ¾”).
Concordia entered three athletes in both the men’s and women's 400 meter races. This marked the first time out this season for two-time national champion Rachel Battershell. She placed fifth in a time of 58.91 with teammate Sarah Lewis (59.38) close behind. On the men’s side of things, Colton Meyer (50.19) and Mark Cooke (50.50) were neck and neck as the top Bulldogs. Concordia also got three solid times in the 60 meter dash via the likes of Emily Loseke (8.18), Hannah Mulligan (8.24) and Brittney Aitken (8.24).
Action will pick back up on Saturday from both Lincoln and Crete. Doane will host the Scott Nisely Memorial Classic inside the Fuhrer Field House. For more information on both meets, click HERE.