BISMARCK, N.D. — Dickinson State delivered a strong all-around performance at the Al Bortke Classic, highlighted by multiple event titles, NAIA qualifying marks and a series of scoring efforts across both the men's and women's competitions.
On the men's side, the Blue Hawks were led by standout performances in the distance events, hurdles, and field events. Caleb Sarsland captured the 5,000 meters title with a winning time of 14:42.24, securing a key first-place finish. In the hurdles, Dickinson State showcased depth, placing five athletes in the top eight of the 110-meter hurdles. Cole Kukuchka led the group with a runner-up finish in 15.76, followed by Mathew Hansen in fourth (16.32), Carl Askins in sixth (17.30), Jarek Janz in seventh (17.33) and Cole Skabo in eighth (17.34).
Mathew Hansen returned in the 400-meter hurdles to place third in 56.78, while Maximus Kadrmas followed closely in fourth at 56.85. The sprint group was paced by Mustafa Taylor, who placed fourth in the 200 meters with a time of 21.31, and Kohbe Smith, who finished sixth in 21.71. Quentin Lewis added points in the 400 meters with a third-place finish (51.16), while Kyler Holinde contributed in both the 400 (fourth, 54.77) and 800 meters (fourth, 2:00.10).
In the field events, Dickinson State turned in several top performances. Ty Leischner cleared 2.00 meters (6'6.75") to win the high jump, while Adrien Calderon claimed the pole vault title with an NAIA "B" mark of 4.80 meters (15'9"). Holden Will added a runner-up finish in the event.
Kohbe Smith secured a victory in the long jump with a mark of 7.29 meters (23'11"), and Ethan Schiller contributed additional points with a sixth-place finish. In the throws, Dylan Dahlgren led the way with a dominant showing, winning the shot put (16.76m) and hammer throw (60.40m), while adding a runner-up finish in the discus (50.95m). Dahlgren hit qualifying marks in all three events. Ty Bennick and Maxx Lee added scoring performances across the throwing events, contributing to a strong team showing.
On the women's side, Dickinson State was equally impressive, particularly in the throwing events and middle-distance races. Chloe Gunderson led the Blue Hawks with a dominant three-event performance, winning the shot put (15.71m), discus (50.48m) and hammer throw (52.34m), all meeting NAIA qualifying standards. Her marks in the shot put and discus set new school records.
Codi Nagle added a first-place finish in the javelin with a throw of 43.41 meters, hitting qualifying marks, while also placing second in the shot put. The Blue Hawks also saw strong depth in the throws from Rebecca Eacker who hit NAIA qualifying 'B' marks with a distance of 45.36m, Klaire Gunderson and Alician Parks, who all contributed scoring marks.
On the track, Dickinson State found success in the middle distances, with Natalie Lile placing second in the 800 meters (2:24.84), followed by Loli Jarrett in third (2:25.95) and Lauren Taylor in fourth (2:26.89). Kheyerah Bilger added an event title in the 1,500 meters, crossing the line in 6:14.71.
In the hurdles, Mady Willis recorded a third-place finish in the 100-meter hurdles (15.36) and added another third-place effort in the 400-meter hurdles (1:05.31). The 4x100-meter relay team of Jaycee Hurley, Willis, Abby Talkington and Elsie Wilson placed third with a time of 50.00.
Adarra Hagelund highlighted the field events with a first-place finish in the high jump, clearing 1.75 meters to meet NAIA qualifying standards. She also added points in the long jump, while Taylynd Stuhr recorded a runner-up finish in the pole vault.
Overall, Dickinson State compiled a balanced performance across sprints, distance and field events, recording multiple event victories and qualifying marks as the outdoor season continues.
