SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – The Dakota Wesleyan University track and field teams had a strong showing at the Dordt College Invite Saturday in Sioux Center, Iowa, while one senior qualified for her eighth trip the NAIA nationals at the Central Methodist Invite.
The highlight of the meet at Dordt came from freshman thrower Ben Hammer (Dell Rapids, S.D.) who easily surpassed a school record, while picking up strong finishes in three events. Hammer placed first in the men's shot put with a toss of 15.31 meters, while adding an eighth-place showing in the hammer throw with a toss of 36.12 meters. His record performance came in the discus with a toss of 51.75 meters, eclipsing the DWU school record by 11 feet. Hammer finished second in the event, qualifying for the NAIA national meet.
Senior Daniel Porter (Plattsmouth, Neb.) finished first in the men's triple jump with a leap of 12.86 meters, while sophomore Lane Tibbs (Kenesaw, Neb.) placed first in the men's 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 10:23.41.
Three Tiger women picked up a second-place finish, including senior Skylar Forgey (Colome, S.D.), who is looking to cap off an impressive career in the 2016 outdoor season. Forgey placed second in the 1,500-meter run with a time of 5:03.10.
Freshman Kamberlyn Lamer (Harford, S.D.) took second in the triple jump with a distance of 10.62 meters, while freshman Abigail Collingham (Polk, Neb.) had the second-best height in the pole vault at 2.85 meters. Senior Jessica Fossum (Canton, S.D.) added a fourth-place showing in the 400-hurdles in 1:08.97.
Competing at the Central Methodist Invite in Fayette, Mo., senior racewalker Nicole Court-Menendez (Lewiston, Maine) took fourth place in the 5,000-meter racewalk with a time of 26:59.79. The time qualified Court-Menendez for her fourth straight NAIA outdoor championship in the event and eighth overall including indoor appearances.
The Tigers return to action at the Sioux City Relays Friday and Saturday in Sioux City, Iowa.