PELLA — The Central College men's track and field team swept the throwing events at the Dutch Holiday Preview on Saturday thanks to a decorated veteran and a promising newcomer

No team scores were kept amongst the four-team field that included Central, Simpson College, Central Methodist University (Mo.) and William Woods University (Mo.).

Senior Nathan Fitzgerald (Elkader, Central HS) returned to track practice just a few weeks ago after spending the fall with the Dutch football squad. Fitzgerald, who finished second at the indoor conference meet last season, won the first event of the year with a toss of 48 feet, 8.25 inches.

Donning a Dutch uniform for the first time, Theo Baldus (freshman, St. Ansgar) won the weight throw with a mark of 47 feet, 1.5 inches.

"It was good showing on their end," coach Brandon Sturman said. "It's great to have them step up and make things happen in the first meet. For Theo, its tough to transition from high school to college with the increased weights. Fitz has only been with us for two weeks so that's good for him, too."

Clocking in at 8.66 seconds in the 60-meter hurdles, Will Daniels (junior, Geneseo, Ill.) placed first. It's an improvement of .04 seconds over his time from the Doane University (Neb.) Happy Holidays Multi-Event last week.

The only other Central male to place first in his event, Bryant Seuferer (junior, Milo, Southeast Warren HS) won the mile in 4 minutes, 43.92 seconds.
           
In the 300-meter run, Central entered seven sprinters, led by senior Mitchell Yaw's (Orange City, MOC-Floyd Valley HS) time of 37.05 seconds (3rd place).

"I was happy with our sprinters in general," Sturman said. "Everyone improved upon the time trial from earlier in the year."

After pausing the school's winter break, Central will host the Dutch Athletics Classic on Saturday, January 19 inside H.S. Kuyper Fieldhouse.