Waldorf shows promise in BVU Invitational
By Aaron Schneider
STORM LAKE – The Waldorf College women’s track and field team put together a promising showing with hard-fought efforts in Saturday’s Buena Vista University Invitational.
It was the final meet for the Warriors prior to next weekend’s North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) Indoor Championships & Multi and NSAA Indoor Championships the following weekend.
“Our women’s team had a great meet,” Waldorf coach Kelsey Riggins said. “Each one of them did some really great things. We saw a couple light bulbs come on and know what needs to be done in the next two weeks before the conference meet.”
Freshman Patricia Molina, sophomore Erica Fee, junior Abby Buehler and senior Megan Perkins set a Waldorf school record in the 4×400-meter relay with a time of 4 minutes, 43.13 seconds. Their time smashed the previous record by nine seconds. Molina, Fee, Perkins, Buehler and sophomore Danielle Holt all have made significant progress in the relay event throughout the indoor season.
“The five of them all support each other in one way or another,” Riggins said. “Even though four girls ran that race, dropping nine seconds off their time is a testament to the work they have all put in at practices.”
The 4×400 relay team currently ranks fourth in the NSAA, ahead of Dakota State University. Perkins anchored the race with a strong finish.
“Megan ran an extremely impressive final leg,” Riggins said. “She ran without fear and that’s exactly what needs to be done in the 400.”
Molina turned in a fifth-place finish in the high jump with a personal best mark 1.42 meters (4 feet, 7.75 inches). The Candelaria, Spain native also leaped to a distance of 4.59 meters (15 feet, 0.75 inches) in the long jump to earn another personal record. Molina will be representing the Warriors in the pentathlon during next weekend’s NSAA Indoor Championships & Multi.
“Patricia had a great day,” Riggins said. “She also ran an excellent opening leg in the 4×400 relay. She is on pace to have a great performance at next weekend’s NSAA Multi.”
Buehler took home fourth in the triple jump with a 10.25-meter (33-foot 7.5-inch) jump. The Dodge Center, Minnesota native also placed ninth in the long jump behind a distance of 4.69 meters (15 feet, 4.75 inches) and reached the finals in a highly competitive field.
“Abby did a great job in the jumping events. We have made some big changes to her approach and technique and I think she is going to start reaping the benefits of that in the coming weeks,” Riggins said. “This time of year, it is great to not only jump your best, but also to be competitive with the competition and score points for the team. Abby does a great job of that.”
Holt raced to 10th in the 60 high hurdles with a season-best time of 10.41 seconds. The New London native achieved two personal-bests by clocking a time of 8.9 seconds in the 60-meter dash and leaping to a distance of 4.32 meters (14 feet, 2.25 inches) in the long jump.
“Danielle ran a season-best in the 60-meter high hurdles and then came back 10 minutes later and ran the 60-meter dash,” Riggins said. “Her time in the 60-meter dash is the fastest time for us this season.”
Buehler, Perkins, freshman Adriana Garber, Holt and sophomore Karissa Vetsch each ran the 200 for the Warriors. Vetsch and Perkins competed in the 60-meter dash. Molina and Garber went to work in the 60-meter hurdles. Fee represented Waldorf in the one-mile run. Freshmen Auburn Miller and Kelli Wallace threw in the shot put and weight throw.
Waldorf now prepares for the NSAA Indoor Championships & Multi, scheduled for Feb. 14-15 at Jamestown, N.D. The two-day event begins at 11 a.m. Following next weekend’s conference event, the Warriors then gear up for the NSAA Indoor Championships, set for Feb. 19-20 at Brookings, South Dakota.
“The next two weeks, the ladies will be putting their nose to the grindstone,” Riggins said. “I am very excited to see what lies ahead for this team in the next few weeks.”