Trojans All-American at NAIA Indoor Track Nationals
Trent Lutmer
The Dakota State University men’s and women’s indoor track and field took four athletes to compete in the NAIA National Track and Field Championship at the GaREAT (Geneva Area Recreational, Educational and Athletic Trust) Sports Complex in Geneva, Ohio.
On Thursday March 3rd, the meet kicked off with Senior Devon Berkness competing on the first day of the National Championship. Berkness raced in the 5,000 meter run and ran 15:14.89 and placed 22nd out of 28 runners. However, he did not qualify for finals.
“The race didn’t go out as well as I wanted it to, but that’s how it is. I’m just glad to be at the championship by competing against the best in the nation, and cheer on the rest of my teammates,” stated Berkness about the National Competition.
On the second day, Sophomore Andy Coy once again ran extremely well to secure the top spot in the 1,000 meter run in the prelims. He ran a time of 2:25.47 which is a new DSU school record and was also .06 (six hundredths) of a second from breaking the all-time South Dakota record in any division.
Sophomore Brittany Young ran the 800 meters and ran 2:18.44 which placed her 5th in her heat. She placed 13th overall and did not qualify for finals.
On Saturday’s competition, Coy ran finals and finished an outstanding race to come in 2nd place and earn an All-American for the second straight year.
Senior Danielle Rowe finished her collegiate indoor career with another All-American as she tied for 4th place in the women’s high jump with a jump of 5’ 3¾”. This is her four straight indoor All-American. “I was excited to end my indoor track career with my fourth All-American honor, but was disappointed with the height I jumped. Overall, this experience allowed me to be extremely proud of my teammates, and even though we brought four athletes to nationals, we definitely made our mark!”
The Trojans will take some time off, and get ready to prepare for their first outdoor season meet on Friday, March 25 in Madison at the Trojan Field.
