Kyle Keck | Echo
Despite competing among the cream of the NCAA crop, the Taylor men's and women's track and field teams saw success at Saturday's Hoosier Hills Invitational at Indiana University in Bloomington. Although Taylor faced a higher level of competition, the challenge produced strong individual performances.
Sophomore Matt Hall torched the 3,000 meter race, reaching the NAIA National Championship automatic qualification mark with a time of 8:35.54. Before this weekend, Hall only qualified for the 5,000 meter NAIA B standard. Gleaning the automatic qualification in the 3,000 meter race gives Hall a sure shot at competing for a National Championship.
"Qualifying this last weekend lets off some pressure, since I have qualified for nationals with an A standard," Hall said. "I would prefer to run the 5K at nationals, so I'm planning to hit the A qualifying time in the 5K this upcoming weekend. But if I don't get it, I'll get to run the 3K at Nationals instead, which is also great."
The women's team paced itself to a successful weekend as well, and two NAIA National Championship automatic qualifications highlighted their performance. Senior Elaine Schmeltz nearly added another milestone to her pocket as she was seconds away from breaking her own school record in the mile run. Schmeltz automatically qualified with a mile time of 5:06.93. Freshman Alex Berends joined her, hitting an automatic qualification time of 10:21.18 in the 3,000 meter race.
"Racing at IU was very helpful because we were competing against DI athletes," Schmeltz said. "I tried to put myself in the race from the start and tried to hold on as long as I could. Thankfully, they pulled me to hit the qualifying standard. I'm very thankful for the gift of running and I'm excited for the opportunity to compete at nationals."
Taylor will head to the DePauw Invitational this weekend to compete in its final event before the NAIA National Championships on March 5 in Geneva, Ohio.Photo provided by TU Sports Information
