Women take fifth straight MCC title

By Erika Brighi - Sports Editor

The Mustang women won their fifth straight conference title Friday, tying with Grand View College for the second year in a row.

Head Coach Ryan Scheckel was also named the MCC Women’s Track and Field Coach of the year for the fifth straight year.

Senior Katie Larsen earned the championship in three events including the 10,000 run (40:17.55), the 5,000 meter run (19:18.06), and the 3,000 meter steeplechase (12:15.26). Larsen also finished third in the 1,500 meter run (5:16.88).

Sophomore Alyssa Maher achieved two second place finishes in the 100 meter hurdles (:15.40) and the 400 meter hurdles (1:07.94). The sophomore also finished fifth in the 200 meter dash (:27.92), fourth in the triple jump (32’5.5”) and seventh in the long jump (4.65m).

Erin Behan earned herself four top five performances. The freshman was the runner-up behind Larsen in the 10,000 meter run (40:47.48) and the 5,000 meter run (19:41.59). Behan finished third in the 3,000 meter steeplechase (12:32.24) while earning herself a fifth place finish in the 1,500 meter run (5:27.19).

Senior Katie Schlutz finished fourth in the 10,000 meter run (42:52.85), the 3,000 meter steeplechase (13:04.99) and the javelin (110’-2”).

Sophomore Chelsea Kvidera was the runner-up in the 1,500 meter run (5:08.46) while taking third in the 800 meter run (2:29.59).

Freshman Kori Yotter finished fourth in the 800 meter run (2:29.81) and in the 1,500 meter run (5:20.81).  Freshman Emilie Warren took fifth in the 400 meter dash (1:02.57).

On the men’s side, the Mustangs finished fifth in the conference.

Senior Matt Hilby took home the men’s only title in the javelin throw (181-03”).

Freshman Justin Waring was the runner up in the 800 meter run (1:57.06) as well as the 1,500 meter run (4:12.53).

Two fifth place finishes were taken by Senior Dustin Henderson in the 800 meter run (2:01.23) and Sophomore Scott Becker in the 3,000 meter steeplechase (10:53.43).

Other top finishes included Senior Nate Lahner who was second in the discus throw (128’-04”) and fifth in the shot put with a 41’3” toss.

Freshman Aaron Stephens took third in the high jump (6’-00”) and fifth in the 1,500 meter run (4:18.43).

The men’s 4x800 meter relay made up of Henderson, Stephens, Becker and Waring, finished second while the same group of men took home third in the 4x400 meter relay (3:30.47).

Up next for the Mustangs is the NAIA outdoor national meet May 22-24 in St. Louis, Mo. Maher will be competing in the 100 meter hurdles while Schlutz will run in the half-marathon.

Scheckel and Francois are both certified Level II U.S. Track and Field Coach’s. This has allowed them to get involved with coaching education and has enabled them to learn what other coaches are trying.

As for adding a current Mustang to the coaching staff, it’s always a possibility. Scheckel hopes his athletes stay involved; whether that means coming to the meets or helping out during practices.