Vikings Show Well at National Meet

The Dana College indoor track team sent five athletes to the 43^rd Annual Men’s and 28^th Annual Women’s National Meet in Johnson City, Tenn., last weekend. The Viking contingent consisted of the men’s distance medley team and the women’s team sent a representative in the shot put.

The Viking distance medley team placed 19^th with a time of 10:50.24.  The team was comprised of Josh McConico (FR, Bonner Springs, Kan.), Cory Logsdon (SO, Fort Calhoun, Neb.), Andrew Palmblade (SO, Hastings, Neb.), and Dan Staehlin (FR, Omaha, Neb.).   

“They did not run their best time in the meet,” said Head Track Coach Allen Friesen.  “They could have been nervous in their first national meet appearance.  It was a good experience for the group.  They were disappointed with their showing, but now know what it takes to compete on the highest level.”

The lone representative on the women’s side was Megan Higgins (FR, Council Bluffs, Iowa) in the shot put.  Higgins finished in 13^th place in the meet with a throw of 40 feet 2.75 inches.

“Megan just missed qualifying for the finals,” said Friesen.  “She didn’t throw her personal best, but she was consistent throughout the meet.  She was only one of two freshmen in the meet made up mostly of juniors and seniors.  She held her own and knows what it takes to get back there next year.”

The national indoor meet was held on the campus of Eastern Tennessee State University. 

Dana College is a private, Lutheran college located in Blair, Nebraska.  The Vikings participate in the Great Plains Athletic Conference and are members of the NAIA.  Dana College is a place where all students actively participate.

For more information please contact:

 Shad Beam, Sports Information 402-426-7389 or sbeam@dana.edu.