Sports
Dartmouth Closes Outdoor Season with NCAA First Round Appearances
By: Maddie Omana Story Links JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Six track and field student-athletes represented Dartmouth at the NCAA First Round this week, participating in events from Wednesday through Friday at Hodges Stadium. Jada Jones, Andie Murray, Madeleine Locher, Albert Velikonja, Max Klein, and J’Voughnn Blake each competed against 47 of the […]
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Six track and field student-athletes represented Dartmouth at the NCAA First Round this week, participating in events from Wednesday through Friday at Hodges Stadium.
Jada Jones, Andie Murray, Madeleine Locher, Albert Velikonja, Max Klein, and J’Voughnn Blake each competed against 47 of the best eastern division athletes in their respective events. This is the first time Jones, Murray, Velikonja, and Locher have qualified for the NCAA First Round.
Mike Nelson, the Marjorie & Herbert Chase ’30 Director of Dartmouth Track & Field and Cross Country, said he was impressed with the way his student-athletes competed during the week.
“Most of our competitors dramatically improved upon their rankings. Our coaching staff did an excellent job preparing these student-athletes to compete at the highest level. We finished the season on a high note and I could not be more proud of our team and staff.” Nelson said.
Velikonja, who qualified for the 5000m as the 39th in the east, finished his senior season ranked 16th in the region with his 14:11.78 mark.
Jones, the reigning Ivy League Champion in the indoor and outdoor 200m, had a 23.85 mark in the 200m. She also competed in the 400m and had a 53.49 finish in the event.
After qualifying for the first round as 34th in the region, Klein improved to 31st in the shot put with a 17.71m throw. Blake finished fifth in his 800m heat with a 1:49.73 mark.
Locher finished 20th in the region for the 10,000m, wrapping her senior season with a 33:53.04 finish. Murray competed in the 800m, finishing with a 2:06.72 mark.
“I’d like to thank all of our seniors who have dedicated so much time and energy into the program. The class of 2025 will always have a special place in my heart because they were the leaders when I got to Dartmouth.” Nelson said. “Also, I’d like to say a big thanks to our support staff and administration. Their dedication and commitment to the program has allowed our student-athletes to thrive. Go Big Green!”