LA CROSSE, WIS. — The distance medley relay units from the Central College men's and women's track and field teams put forward strong qualifying times Friday night at the Eagle Open hosted by the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse.
           
The women's distance medley relay team of Addison Parrott (junior, Danville), Abbi Roerdink (senior, Tiffin, Ohio, Hopewell-Loudon HS), Peyton Steffen (sophomore, Marion) and Megan Johnson (senior, Parkersburg, Aplington-Parkersburg HS) were meet champions in a time of 11 minutes, 46.01 seconds. That time is not faster than what Central clocked a week ago in Boston, but since it was run on a flat track it was converted to 11:38.53 to become the second fastest qualifying time for the national meet
           
"I was really proud of the effort by our women today," associate head coach Joe Dunham said. "They ran very poised and controlled in a very high energy race.
           
"Addison did an incredible job getting us started and in a good position. Abbi's split was incredible and I'm sure that's a lifetime best split for her. Peton ran very smart early and finished well. Megan methodically moved up to the leader and took the win."
           
On the men's side, Central made its season debut in 9:56.98 to finish fifth. Adam Sylvia (senior, Rochester, Mass., Old Rochester HS), Noah Erickson (senior, Mount Vernon), Jack Brown (freshman, Norwalk) and Noah Jorgenson (senior, Sidney) were converted down to 9:48.98 and are No. 8 on the qualifying list.
           
"They ran great today," Duhham said. "I'm proud of all four of them. They each stepped up and competed well. We'll still probably need to run faster to qualify for nationals, but it was a great debut."
           
Individually, Caroline McMartin (senior, Pella) won the mile in 4:55.77 and Roerdink won the 400-meter dash in 58.34 seconds.
           
Central competes in the Liz Wuertz Invitational hosted by Wartburg College in Waverly Saturday.