Michael Pecha

Despite hot temperatures and a long bus trip, SDSU track and field athletes set six provisional qualifying marks at the Division II Challenge in Emporia, Kan.

Matt Pearson set a provisional qualifying time in both the 800 meter run and the 1,500 meter run.

Pearson finished third in the 800 in 1:52.51. Pearson won the 1,500 in a meet record time of 3:49.57.

“Matt ran the fastest time he has ever run since coming to SDSU,” head track and field coach Paul Danger said. “Three men, including Kevin Doe, ran under the former meet record in that event, which shows how fast a time it really was.”

Doe finished third with a provisional time of 3:52.75.

Chris Gruenhagen had his breakthrough race of the season, finishing second in the 5,000 meter run in 15:26.52.

“This was the best race of Chris’s career at SDSU,” Danger said. “It was a warm 85 degrees during the 5k, but Chris really raced and competed harder than he has all year.”

David Hegland took second in the 110 meter hurdles with a provisional time of 14.7 seconds.

Mike Steele set a personal best in the steeplechase, finishing fourth in 9:31.6.

Jennifer Stovall led the ladies with two high finishes. She won the 100 meter hurdles in 14.52 seconds, setting a provisional qualifying time. She came in second in the long jump at 18 feet 8.5 inches.

Erin Woolley ran a provisional time of 10:08.78 in the 3,000 meter run, finishing second.

Jessica Meyer finished fourth in the discus with her throw of 133 feet 2 inches.

“Jessica’s throw was a personal best,” Danger said. “She is only 10 feet off a provisional mark, and is improving every meet. The first two meets have had little wind to help the flight of the discus, but if we can get a few breaks with the weather for her, she has a great opportunity to make it to nationals as a freshman.”

Three athletes set provisional qualifying marks April 5 at Northwest Missouri State University.

Brad Lowery and Doe went one-two in the 1,500 meter run with times of 3:51.71 and 3:52.98, respectively.

Stovall set a qualifying time in the 100 meter hurdles, winning the event in 14.44 seconds.

“This was a very good opener for these athletes and the rest of the team,” head coach Paul Danger said.

The Jacks travel to Fargo, ND this Apr. 17 to compete in the Bison Open.