PELLA— Competing in less than ideal weather conditions for much of the spring, the Central College men's and women's track and field squads took advantage of warm, dry weather in a home triangular Friday afternoon.
           
Both the men's and women's programs finished second behind Nebraska Wesleyan University. In the women's competition, the Prairie Wolves had 148 points compared to 145 for the Dutch. Central's men had 141 points, six behind Nebraska Wesleyan's 147.
           
"It was by far the best weather we've had this spring," coach Brandon Sturman said. "We could not have had a better day to compete. I think we took advantage of the weather for the most part."
           
The Dutch won 15 individual events, including nine field events.
           
"When you're winning against teams like Nebraska Wesleyan and Simpson that are in our conference, it's always a confidence booster going into the conference meet."
           
Sam Beatty (sophomore, Mount Pleasant) solidified his spot on the national top-10 list with a winning high jump clearance of 6 feet, 9 inches.
           
"His previous best was pretty good, but he should get into nationals for sure now," Sturman said.
           
Brock Lewis (junior, Lathrop, Mo.) also improved his national standing with his winning long jump of 23-11.75. He's No. 5 nationally after Friday.
           
"Brock had a huge jump today," Sturman said. "It makes it a little less stressful because we can now focus on the triple jump going into conference."
           
Tanner Johnson (senior, Gallatin, Mo.) was the meet champion in the men's pole vault (13-11.25) and the men's javelin throw (160-1). He wasn't the only Central male to win two events as Joe Stein (freshman, Milford, Spirit Lake HS) took the 100-meter dash (10.93 seconds) and 200-meter dash (22.10 seconds).
           
Theo Baldus (junior, St. Ansgar) also won the discus throw in 149-10.
           
Caleb Silver (sophomore, Conrad, BCLUW HS) awon the men's 3,000-meter steeplechase in 9 minutes, 42.17 seconds while Caroline McMartin (freshman, Pella) was the women's champion (12:00.34).
           
"Caroline's debut in the steeple was pretty cool," Sturman said. "I know she was a little nervous so that was awesome."
           
Long jumper Kasey Pelzer (freshman, Pleasantville) was a winner with a leap of 17-2.25.
           
"That was a great day for her," Sturman said. "She was super consistent. I'm very proud of how she's continuing to grow and excel each week."
           
Krissa Larson (junior, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) moved up to No. 21 nationally in the javelin throw with a heave of 128-7.
           
"She had another huge PR today," Sturman said.
           
Kennedy Morris (senior, Earlham) won the hammer throw (159-7) and Cali Coffman (sophomore, Leawood, Kan. Blue Valley HS) had the winning pole vault (9-6.25)
           
Mary Gray (senior, West Des Moines, Waukee HS) won the 110-meter hurdles (15.11 seconds) and Mari Stein (sophomore, Okoboji) was the top 1,500-meter runner (4:52.10).
           
Central travels to the Dr. Tucker Invitational hosted by Loras College next Friday.
           
"Next week is fine-tuning for conference," Sturman said. "We'll do whatever we need to do in order to get ready for conference."