MARION, Ind. — Dickinson State University's women's track and field team delivered a championship performance of historic proportions at the 2024 NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships, finishing fourth overall, the highest national placing in program history, and earning seven All-American honors.
The team's effort was highlighted by Adarra Hagelund, who claimed the national title in the high jump by clearing 1.75m (5-9).
"The team has worked very hard all season," said head coach Shayne Wittkopp. "That work really came together over the last month and ultimately the last three days. I'm so proud of this group of young ladies. They've been the type of students, teammates and athletes that coaches dream of."
Faith Brennan provided double All-American honors, finishing fourth in the triple jump (12.31m/40-4.75) and sixth in the long jump (5.70m/18-8.50), giving Dickinson State scoring strength in the horizontal jumps.
In the throws, Taylor Laumeyer earned All-American recognition by finishing sixth in the discus at 45.62m (149-8), while Kori Nagel scored in two events: she placed fourth in the shot put (14.48m/47-6) and finished 11th in the discus (42.96m) and fifth in the hammer throw (54.04m), showcasing her exceptional versatility across the throwing disciplines. Chloe Gunderson placed ninth in the discus (43.85m), narrowly missing All-American status.
Madison Wahl also represented the Blue Hawks in the pole vault.
Rounding out the All-American performances was Kaitlyn McColly, who placed second overall in the heptathlon with 4,931 points. Her effort featured standout marks in the shot put (12.70m, 1st), javelin (35.71m, 3rd), and 100-meter hurdles (14.32, 2nd), demonstrating her all-around excellence.
"We are very proud of the women and coaches on this outstanding accomplishment of the best finish in school history in women's track and field," said athletic director Pete Stanton. "It was a true team effort across a range of events. Congratulations to a very special team."
"I want to acknowledge the hard work of our assistant coaches and our athletic trainer; they have been there every step of the way helping the team get to this point," Wittkopp added. "Thank you to all the supporting parents and boosters as well. Hawks are up!"
The Dickinson State men added three All-American finishes of their own.
In the hammer throw, Dylan Dahlgren placed fourth with a mark of 59.95m (196-8), while Corbin Harris took ninth (57.80m). Harris also reached the podium in the shot put, placing eighth at 17.04m (55-10.75), one spot behind Galen Brantley III, who earned seventh with a mark of 17.24m (56-6.75).
In total, Dickinson State earned ten All-American honors at the national championships, further establishing its track and field program as one of the elite forces in the NAIA.
