Dutch track and field athletes kick off NCAA meet

GENEVA, OHIO — The Central College track and field squads had five student-athletes in action on the rainy opening day of the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships Thursday.
           
In the women’s heptathlon, Olivia Bohlen (junior, Belle Plaine) sits in sixth place with 2,959 points through four of seven events.
           
“She’s put herself in a good position,” coach Brandon Sturman said. “She was just below her lifetime best in three out of four events. It was a really solid day one.”
           
The men’s decathlon features a pair of Central competitors. After five events, Kale Hobart (sophomore, Mason City) is seventh with 3,517 points and Reid Pakkebier (senior, Cedar Rapids, Kennedy HS) is 14th with 3,349 points.

“Just like any decathlon, there were ups and downs,” Sturman said. “But I think compared to the rest of the field, they are doing what they need to do. “

Peyton Steffen (junior, Marion) ran her preliminary heat of the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase in 10 minutes, 33.53 seconds, finishing fourth and earning an automatic spot in Friday’s final.

“She ran right at her PR and felt pretty comfortable,” Sturman said. “Hopefully she can stay focused and confident and do it again tomorrow.”

Jack Brown (sophomore, Norwalk) also ran in the preliminaries of the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase but his time of 9:11.19 was not enough to get in the final as he finished in 18th place.

“He’s disappointed he didn’t make the finals,” Sturman said. “He’ll learn from this experience and try to improve upon it next time.”

 

Central College NCAA Championships schedule of events

Friday, May 24 (times are EST)

10 a.m. – men’s decathlon (110-meter hurdles)

10:45 a.m. – men’s decathlon (discus throw)

11 a.m. – women’s heptathlon (long jump)

Noon – men’s decathlon (pole vault)

12:15 p.m. – women’s heptathlon (javelin throw)

2:10 p.m. – men’s 110-meter hurdles (prelims)

2:45 p.m. – men’s decathlon (javelin throw)

2:45 p.m. – women’s heptathlon (800 meters)

4:30 p.m. – men’s decathlon (1500 meters)

4:55 p.m. – women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase (finals)

Saturday, May 25 (times are EST)

11 a.m. – men’s triple jump (prelims and finals)

1:25 p.m. – men’s 1500 meters (prelims)

2:10 p.m. – men’s 110-meter hurdles (finals)

4:25 p.m. – women’s 5000 meters (final)