Lancers Set Trio Of Track Records
DEFIANCE, Ohio – The Grace College track and field team continued its outstanding start to the 2013 indoor season at the Defiance Invitational.
The Lancers set three new school records, tied a fourth record and won three events on Saturday.
Grace also qualified for the NCCAA National Championships in four new events.
“Several people were competing for the first time this year, so it was good for them to work the kinks out. We also had a couple of people sick and limited with minor injuries,” said Grace head coach Jeff Raymond. “However, we competed hard and placed among the top six in virtually every event we entered. I think we were able to see some of the potential this team has once we gain more experience this season.”
The all-freshman relay team of Josh Reichard, Nathan Brown, Seth Booker and Lance Taylor set the school record in the 4×200-meter relay in a time of 1:34.78.
Brown continued his strong performance by winning the high jump event in a school-record mark of 1.88m.
Sabrina Whitaker in her first collegiate event set a school record and qualified for NCCAA Nationals in the high jump with a height of 1.53m.
Kaitlyn Mikel was a standout for Grace on the field side of competition. She won the weight throw event and set a school record with a 14.16m and went onto qualify for NCCAA Nationals in the shot put by tossing 10.89m.
Jenna McClellan also won the mile race in a time of 5:39.03.
Two other Lancers met the NCCAA national marks – Donovan Graham (800m) and Kaitlyn Faulkner (60 hurdles).
Grace’s season continues next weekend at the IWU Invitational.