April 27, 2018
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - The Bluffton University men's and women's track and field teams traveled to Terre Haute, Indiana to the HCAC Conference Championship hosted by Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology on Friday, April 27. Day 1 of the meet was a resounding success for the Beavers.
Freshman Gabe Makin (Elida) broke the school record in men's pole vault, held since 2004 by Bluffton vault coach Clint Dillon, with a winning clearance of 16' 1.25". This also established a new conference championship meet record and of this date, ranks Makin 9th in the nation among Division 3 vaulters. Female counterpart Tori Bowen (Wapakoneta/Elida) also established a new championship meet record with her winning clearance of 11' 8.50". Junior Sarah Oliver (Lexington), who continues to impress with her constant improvement, gave the Beavers a 1-2 finish with her clearance of 11' 2.50".
On the track, junior Jennie Matteson (Guysville/Alexander) fulfilled a goal she had set at last year's championship, winning the women's 10,000 meter race, and with an impressive margin of over a minute on her next closest competitor. Sophomore Arie Cox (Ontario) put out an impressive effort, taking a full three minutes off her debut 10k two weeks ago to claim 3rd. In the men's 10k, sophomore Dakota Frost (Edgerton/Hicksville) was 2nd in the warm and windy conditions the men faced in their race. Sophomore Connor Gulick (St. Louisville/Utica) had another PR performance in the 3,000 meter steeplechase, taking 10 seconds off his time to place 4th but just narrowly missing the school record by .25 of a second.
Advancing to the final round of their event in Day 2 after running a preliminary round are junior Keturah Warlick (East Point, Mich./Clintondale) in the 200; senior Kyle Knezovich (Utica) in the 400 hurdles with a new PR and top seed; and senior Alissa Hauke (Hillsboro) in the 800, also with a PR time.
Establishing new best performances throughout the day were:
Sophomore Ciana Hostetler (Sugarcreek/Garaway), 200 meters.
Freshman Jihad Shockley (Columbus/Oakstone Academy), 400 meters.
Junior Jacob Hill (Dayton/Wayne), 800 meters.
Freshman Stephanie Fox (Pickerington/Central), shot put.
Sophomore John Jones (Cincinnati/Walnut Hills), discus.
"It was a very good day to be a Beaver," said Head Coach Karen Brandt. "Athletes and coaches have worked very hard throughout this cold, wet, fairly miserable track season so it is particularly gratifying to see so many outstanding results. I am so proud of the effort and drive put forth by all of the athletes who competed today, and loved seeing the smiles and looks of satisfaction on those who achieved some long-held and/or lofty goals. I am so happy for Jim and Clint (distance and vault coaches) as well. Each in his own style is an extremely dedicated and passionate coach who has high expectations and makes tough demands of his athletes. They were both elated and exhausted by the end of a long day of coaching. We are fortunate to have them on our team.'
-BEAVERS-
