BROOKINGS, S.D. — The men's and women's track and field teams from Dickinson State University will travel to Brookings this weekend to compete in the Frontier Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships on February 21-22
The Blue Hawks enter the conference meet following a productive indoor season that has produced national qualifiers, school records and top marks within the NAIA.
Women's National Qualifiers and Key Performances
Several Blue Hawk women have already met national qualifying standards entering the championship meet. Senior Adarra Hagelund leads the group after clearing 1.76 meters in the high jump to reach the automatic qualifying mark while also contributing points in the multi events. Junior Faith Sullivan-Brennan has achieved an automatic mark in the triple jump at 12.28 meters and provisional standards in the long jump at 5.69 meters and the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.87 seconds.
In the throws, senior Kori Nagel has posted automatic qualifying marks in both the shot put and weight throw. Her marks of 15.35 meters in the shot put and 19.18 meters in the weight throw place her among the top competitors nationally. Nagel swept both events at the most recent meet against a field of more than 1,300 athletes. Sophomore Codi Nagle added a provisional mark of 13.71 meters in the shot put, and senior Rebecca Eacker reached the provisional standard in the weight throw at 16.88 meters.
On the track, sophomore Mia Handran secured a provisional time of 2:17.08 in the 800 meters and has been a key piece of the relay lineup alongside senior Natalie Lile. The women's 4x800-meter relay of Handran, Lile, Taylor and Jarrett set a school record with a time of 9:32.96, earning a provisional qualifying mark and a No. 14 national ranking entering the conference meet.
Men's Highlights Entering the Championship
The men's squad has also delivered several strong performances during the indoor campaign. Adrien Calderon cleared a season best 4.70 meters in the pole vault and currently ranks 17th in the nation. Ty Leischner also hit provisional with high jump, jumping a mark of 2.04 meters and currently ranked 6th in NAIA. Dylan Dahlgren recorded a throw of 16.06 meters in the shot put to meet the provisional standard and sits 22nd nationally.
On the track, Caleb Sarsland hit both provisional marks for the mile (4:11.79) and 3000 meters (8:21.93).The men's 4x400-meter relay team posted a time of 3:18.85 to finish 10th in a competitive field at the most recent meet, showing continued improvement heading into championship competition.
Looking Ahead
With automatic and provisional qualifying marks already secured and momentum from recent performances, the Blue Hawks will look to carry their progress into conference competition this weekend. The two day championship meet provides opportunities to contend for titles, improve national standings and continue building toward the postseason.
