WAVERLY — The Central College women's and men's indoor track and field squads combined to win five events Saturday at the Wartburg Indoor Select.
In the team standings, Central's women were second of 10 teams. The Dutch men were fifth of eight. The Dutch contingent Saturday did not include most of Central's multi-event athletes or high jumpers, two areas of strength for these rosters.
"I'm really happy about where we're at and what we accomplished today," coach
Brandon Sturman said. "Whenever you go to a meet and compete against conference opponents and good schools, winning five events is a pretty good day."
The Dutch women picked up four individual titles.
Amber Vroman (junior, Seneca, Ill.) had the winning pole vault clearance of 10 feet, 6 inches.
Caroline McMartin (senior, Pella) won the mile in four minutes, 54.22 seconds.
Abbi Roerdink (junior, Tiffin, Ohio, Hopewell-Loudon HS had the winning 400-meter dash time of 58.26 and
Mary Gustason (sophomore, Marion, Linn-Mar HS) took the 60-meter dash title in 8.13 seconds.
Kale Purcell (junior, Holton, Kan.) had the Dutch men's only individual title, setting a new career-best mark of 46-8.75 in the triple jump. He also took third in the long jump with a leap of 21-3.5
"We decided to both events again this week," Sturman said. He had a small PR in the long jump to stay tuned up in that event. We went after it a little in the triple jump and he was able to give himself a better chance at the national meet."
Caroline McMartin started the parade of Dutch women at the front of the mile.
Megan Johnson (senior, Parkersburg, Aplington-Parkersburg HS) was second (4:55.95) and
Peyton Steffen (sophomore, Marion) was third (5:06.28).
"Caroline was on a different level today," Sturman said. "We couldn't be prouder of what she's accomplished. Those women's distance runners are having a phenomenal year."
Central's men had a pair of top-three finishes in the 60-meter hurdles from
Grant Miller (sophomore, Norwalk) and
Connor Miklos (senior, Lockport, Ill., Providence Catholic HS). Miller was second in 8.31 and Miklos was third in 8.37.
"Grant had a great day," Sturman said. "We're excited about how he can help us in the hurdles. Connor was frustrated with his prelim but got another shot and came back to run a PR."
Emily McMartin (sophomore, Pella) was a second-place finisher in the 200-meter dash in 25.96 seconds. She also had the top time in the 60-meter dash prelims (7.93 seconds) but did not run the final due to being entered in other events.
Most of the Dutch roster is headed to the Darren Young Classic hosted by Grinnell College next Saturday. Some of Central's top distance runners are headed to the David Hemery Valetine Invitational hosted by Boston University next Friday and Saturday.
