ResultsARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University women's track and field team began the second month of the 2015 indoor season with the Gene Glader classic hosted on BU's campus at the Sports and Recreation Center. Saturday's competition was the second and final home meet of the early season for the Royals, who continue to make progress as the indoor portion of the schedule wears on.
"It was a great meet at home. A very large meet with a great atmosphere," commented head coach
Andrew Rock.
As coach Rock alluded to, the competitive field was the largest of the season with 12 teams participating, including many MIAC rivals. Despite the strong competition, the Royals got an early start on Saturday and continued to shine throughout.
Sophomore sensation
Jillian Krier began the day with a third-place finish in the 60-meter dash—recording a time of 8.08 seconds—while also taking fourth in the pole vault. Teammate and captain
Paige Thielen also put on a strong showing, winning the 400-meter dash with a time of 1:02.34.
In addition to the Royals sprinting success, they showed their prowess in the distance and field events as well.
Mollie Gillberg won the 3000-meter run with a season-best time of 10:29.18, while teammate
Annika Halverson took the crown in the 1000-meter event.
The Royals also took the top four spots in the 600-meter run, led by senior
Rebecca Wesley, who finished with a time of 1:39.26.
BU had strong performances in the field, including
KelliAnne O'Leary and
Angela Substad, who tied for first place with a vault of 3.07m (10-0 3/4). Completing the day for the Royals were high jumpers
Katie Dillie and
Dani Balzer, who finished first and second in the event with jumps of 1.58 and 1.53 meters, respectively.
Bethel's women will compete next in the Darren Young Classic next weekend, with all events being held at Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa. The meet will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 14.
