Hugo Santos, Journalism Student
This week, the Doane Men’s Track and Field team had a busy schedule, participating in two meets: the Jim Dutcher Memorial Classic at home and the Kansas Relays on the road.
At the Jim Dutcher Memorial Classic, hosted by the Tigers, junior JaDae Moore showcased his talent by clinching victory in two events. He dominated the 100m with a swift time of 10.84 and secured the 200m crown, clocking in at 22.18. Sophomore Connor Bradley demonstrated his skills by winning the 400m with a notable time of 49.88, while sophomore Emmanuel Yego triumphed in the 800m, crossing the finish line in 1:56.61.
In other events, sophomore Michael Grigsby claimed second place in the 1500m with a time of 4:07.15, and junior Jakob Tadlock conquered the 10,000m with a strong performance of 34:27.67. Freshmen Sander Zutterman and Zach Fox secured second place in the 110m hurdles and 400m hurdles, respectively.
The relay races were a triumph for Doane, with victories in both the 4x100m and 4x800m relays. Additionally, notable performances were seen in field events, with junior Dylan Starr and senior Carter Reckling meeting the NAIA automatic qualifying standard in the high jump and junior Trey Dickey excelling in both the discus and hammer throw.
Meanwhile, at the Kansas Relays, sophomore Nelson Ruto finished eighth in the 10,000m run with a time of 31:58.13, while senior Zach Turner showcased his skills in the 110m hurdles, earning seventh place and an NAIA automatic qualifying mark in the prelims. Senior Thomas Oliver impressed with an NAIA automatic qualifying time in the 3,000m steeplechase.
Looking ahead, Tiger athletes for the Men’s team are gearing up for either the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa or the Nebraska Wesleyan Invite in Lincoln in the upcoming week.
The Doane Women’s Track and Field also had a bustling schedule, hosting the Jim Dutcher Memorial Classic over three days while also participating in the Kansas Relays simultaneously.
At their home meet, freshman Neryah Hekl blazed to victory in the 100m dash, clocking in at 12.19 seconds, while sophomore Katie Vogt triumphed in the 200m with a time of 25.49. Vogt’s prowess continued as she clinched second place in the 400m, meeting the NAIA automatic qualifying standard with a stellar time of 55.90.
Among other notable performances, sophomore Calla Wittland secured victory in the 10,000m run with a remarkable time of 41:46.11, while sophomore Josie Garrett and senior Sarah Theiler showcased their talent in the high jump, both meeting the NAIA provisional qualifying standard.
Meanwhile, at the Kansas Relays, freshman Kaylee Pribyl impressed with a sixth-place finish in the pole vault, meeting the NAIA automatic qualifying standard with a mark of 3.80m.
Looking ahead, the Tigers are gearing up for the Drake Relays and Nebraska Wesleyan Invite, fine-tuning their skills before the GPAC Championship.