Steve Nafziger | Echo
The track and field teams finished their indoor season by breaking another record and showing a strong overall performance at the Depauw Classic on Saturday.
"It was a really good meet for us," said women's coach Quinn White. "We had a lot of people get personal best performances."
Sophomore Grace Carver had a great race as she broke the school record in the 1,000 meter run, finishing with a time of 3:07.08. The previous record-held by sophomore Jane Hawks-only stood for three weeks before Carver claimed it.
"Coming into college, I never thought I would be able to break any kind of record," Carver said. "I desire for all the glory and praise to go to God."
Going into the last meet before Nationals and the start of the outdoor season, White had high expectations.
"We really pushed them pretty hard going into this meet," White said. "We looked at this as a chance to have some good competition and try to make ourselves better."
Taylor's 4x400 relay team accomplished their goal of qualifying for Nationals as they reached the NAIA B-standard qualifying mark, beating their competitors by over 17 seconds. The team ranged from freshman to senior, with senior Erin Price, junior Kehlay Dunah, sophomore Katie DeHaan and freshman Abby Phillips.
Other athletes who recorded personal bests were sophomore Anissa Richards and freshman Carlie Snoap in the 5k, sophomore Grace Carver in the 3k, sophomore Taryn Seeland in the 800 meter and freshman Kathryn Gerig in the mile.
The men's day was also filled with qualifiers and personal bests as the Trojans continued their excellence as they closed out their season.
"We competed very well and many of our athletes had personal best performances," said men's coach Lance Vanderberg. "We also placed highly in several very competitive events."
Freshman Matt Hall highlighted his day with a win in the 5,000 meter race as he qualified for Nationals. Junior Jared Reed also claimed a victory for the Trojans in the 1,000 meter, which improved his previous qualifying mark.
Senior Luke Currens continues to prepare for Nationals as he finished fifth in the 60 meter hurdles, while junior Kenny Higgins finished in second place in the weight throw with a distance of 15.77 meters.
Along with Hall, Reed and Higgins, other Trojans had career best days, including junior Scott King in the 3,000 meter.
The next step for the Trojans is preparing a number of athletes for Nationals, which takes place March 6-8. They're also looking ahead to the indoor season that starts up on March 22.
"The indoor season is all about preparation for outdoor track," Vanderberg said. "I believe we have prepared well and competed with intensity."
Photography by Josh Adams
