Lincoln, NE – Friends University traveled to Lincoln, Nebraska to compete in their first indoor track and field competition of the season.
Two months removed from picking up an All American honor at the 2009 NAIA Cross Country Championships; Matt Ditzler punched his ticket to the 2010 Indoor National Championship meet this weekend at the Holiday Inn Invitational in Lincoln, NE. The Junior from Huntington, IN completed the 5000 meter race in 14:55.96, twenty seconds under the automatic national qualifying standard, Ditzler finished 3rd. Joining him will be sophomore teammate Jordan Arnold. She finished 2nd to Nebraska’s Jennifer Webers in the women’s 5000 meters, Arnold crossed the line in 18:20.69.
“I was very pleased where Ditzler and Arnold began their seasons, getting an “A” standard right off the bat,” said Coach Peterson. “We did not have them ready to run super fast, so for them to run as fast as they did was impressive.”
Megan Shepherd had a “near miss” in the 600 yard run. Shepherd crossed the finish line in 1:32.21, missing at B qualifying standard by 1.21 seconds. Also competing in the 600 yard, Caitlin Kozak finished in 1:41.59.
Brett Goerzen and Christopher Steen competed in the men’s 200 meter race. Goerzen completed the one lap race in 25.14 while Steen finished in 23.10.
Damian Berry finished the 400 meter race in 51.43. Placing him 17 of 41 overall.
Caitlin Kozak was the only field event for Friends in the competition. Kozak leaped 33-03.25 in the women’s triple jump.
Junior Tim Patterson had a career race in the 3000 meter race, placing 17th at 9.10.15. This was a personal best by 40 seconds. Taylor Doll also had a personal best in the 5000 meter race. Doll placed 14th at 19.31.58
“This was a good start to the season. We got our feet wet today and learned some lessons. Hopefully we can build off this experience,” said Coach Kennedy.
Next up for the Falcons will be Missouri Southern State Invitational on Saturday, January 23.