Track Athletes Compete at Husker Invitational

After 800 run — All-American sophomore, Brittany Young stepping off the hydraulic raised track, after her impressive 800 meter run! Pictures by Anthony Drealan

Trent Lutmer

The Dakota State track and field team took four athletes to Lincoln, Nebraska to compete in the Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational at the University of Nebraska. The meet featured several schools from NCAA Division I, and over 300 athletes competed in the invitational.

Representing the men’s side, Sophomore Andy Coy placed 3^rd overall in the men’s special 800 meter run. He ran a time of 1:53.33 and automatically qualifies for nationals. “I was really surprised to get into the special 8. (800 meter run) It was a great chance for me to run fast and compete against some of the fastest in the area and nation.” Coming into the race, Coy was ranked 11^th place in the 800 meter run and 4^th in the mile run. He is also the fastest in the DAC in both of those races.

Senior Devon Berkness placed 6^th in the men’s 3,000 meter run with a time of 8:46.58 which gives me the provisional mark for the race. In the DAC, Berkness is currently ranked 2^nd in both the 3,000 meter run and the 5,000 meter run.

Performances for the women, Sophomore Brittany Young placed 9^th in the women’s 800-meter run with a time of 2:17.59. With her time, she once again automatically qualifies for the NAIA National meet. Before the race, Young is currently 12^th in the nation in the 800-meter run and the fastest in the DAC.

Senior Danielle Rowe placed 12^th in the women’s high jump with a jump of 5 feet 3 inches. Rowe will also be competing in the NAIA National meet in March. Coming into her event, she is ranked 4^th in the nation, and 1^st in the DAC. “ The Husker Invitational was a wonderful opportunity to perform with elite athletes and observe their techniques, which will be beneficial going into conference. This was a fantastic meet to be a part of, especially since it is my last year for indoor track. Overall, it was a wonderful experience to watch teammates perform so well against tough competitors,” remarked Rowe about the meet performances.

There are two regular season meets remaining on the indoor season and next week Dakota State men’s and women’s track and field team will be heading back to Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, to compete in the Dordt Invitational. The following week will be the final Dakota Athletic Conference meet, which will be held at Black Hills University at the Donald Young Center, in Spearfish, SD.