PELLA — A pair of field event athletes and a distance runner secured individual titles for the Central College women's track and field team at the Prairie Wolf Invitational Friday.
There were no team scores among the nine teams in action, including the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and the University of Wyoming.
Megan Johnson (sophomore, Parkersburg, Aplington-Parkersburg HS) won the 5,000-mteter run in 19 minutes, 11.26 seconds, her first 5K of the season.
Hailey Hill (junior, Las Vegas, Nevada, West Career and Technical Academy) was third in 20:04.49.
"It was a good time for Megan," Sturman said. "She was behind for a quite a while in the race and came from behind to win. She still has bigger goals this season."
Cali Coffman (junior, Leawood, Kan., Blue Valley HS) was a winner in the pole vault, clearing 9-2.25.
Amber Vroman (freshman, Seneca, Ill.) was third at 8-8.25.
Malory Jones (junior, Fairfield) and
Taryn Hintz (sophomore, Primghar, South O'Brien HS) both cleared 5-1 in the high jump, Jones was first and Hintz was second based on the number of missed jumps at lower heights.
"We took advantage of a smaller meet and did well against some quality schools," Sturman said. "Hopefully it builds some confidence for them."
Caroline McMartin (sophomore, Pella) had top-three finishes in the 1,000-meter run and the mile run. She was second in the mile (5:17.83) and third in the 1K (3:10.17).
"This was a good meet for her because it's the first time she's faced adversity," Sturman said. "She took on the challenge and fought through the race against good competition."
Abby Marr (junior, Riceville) tied for third in the weight throw (49-2.25).
In the 600-meter run,
Elsie Thoreson (sophomore, Pella) was second (1:43.15) and
Abbi Roerdink (sophomore, Tiffin, Hopewell-Loudon HS) was third (1:46.03).
Lauren Brown (sophomore, Underwood), Thoreson, McMartin and Roerdink won the 4x400-meter relay in 4:15.52.
Central is competing in Waverly at the Wartburg Friday Night Lights meet next week.
