SEWARD, Neb. – Since the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) began releasing its computer ratings in 2014, both Concordia University track and field programs have appeared inside the top 25 in each edition of the NAIA national rankings. The run continued this week with the release of the first set of 2017 outdoor ratings. Head coach Matt Beisel’s squads appeared at No. 4 on the women’s side and No. 13 on the men’s side.
Under head coach Kregg Einspahr, the Bulldogs won a men’s outdoor national championship in 2015 and then did the same last year on the women’s side. The men are in the midst of an incredible run in which they have placed inside the top five at five-consecutive national meets. That stretch includes two runner-up finishes in addition to the national title. The women have been similarly impressive, placing 11th or better at seven national championships in a row.
Concordia’s collection of accomplished throwers is again a major reason for the national ratings and success. As a group, Bulldog throwers own five marks that lead the nation. Those No. 1 throws are held by Cody Boellstorff in the hammer (205’ 7”), Zach Lurz in the shot put (57’ 6 ½”), Kali Robb in the hammer (180’ 2”) and the shot put (46’ 7 ¼”) and Tricia Svoboda in the discus (152’ 1”). Concordia throwers possess 11 total national qualifying marks. On Wednesday, Lurz and Robb were both named NAIA National Field Athletes of the Week.
Concordia’s national qualifying list includes five ‘B’ standard qualifying marks in addition to the 13 automatic marks achieved in 2017. Robb leads the field with three national marks. Lurz has two automatic throws and a ‘B’ mark.
The Bulldogs are getting set to host the annual Concordia Outdoor Invitational on Friday and Saturday (April 7-8). The meet schedule can be viewed HERE.