RESULTS
GRINNELL, Iowa – The Bethel Royals took 2nd place at the Darren Young Classic on Saturday, February 9th, hosted by Grinnell College. Bethel's men scored 112 points and beat nationally ranked teams in number 13 Central College, and number 18 Wartburg College along the way. "The Grinnell meet is a highlight for us every year," says Head Coach Andrew Rock. "It's a great bonding experience for our team and we get some great competition. I thought our men stepped up to a competitive field and performed very well."
The men's 4x400m relay team of Shawn Monroe, Isaac Erickson, Nolan Metz, and Carl Klamm ran the 6th best time in NCAA Division III this season, by racing to a 3:20.52. That time also tops the MIAC honor roll. Klamm won the 400m earlier in the day by running a MIAC-leading 49.50 in his first quarter mile race of the season. Klamm is currently ranked 11th in Division III. Erickson won his heat of the 400m and took 2nd place overall in the event with his time of 50.34, which is the 36th best time in Division III. The Royals continued to flex their 400m-muscle by taking 4th, 5th, and 6th place as well.
Sophomore sprinter Malachi Lossow accounted for 14 points in his two events. Lossow took 2nd place in the 200m (23.08) and 3rd place in the 60m (7.15). Evan Hatton led the 800m race from the gun and never looked back as he won the race in a season best time of 1:58.71. Teammate Ezekiel Lelinga was 4th (1:59.31), in his first 800m race of the season.
Andy Barnhart continued his trend of strong performances in the distances events by winning 3000m run in a lifetime best 8:47.35. He helped lead freshman teammate Ike Mendel to his first sub-9 minute 3000m (8:59.28), which placed him fourth. The mental fortitude of Jonathan Sweeney was on display as well. Sweeney lost his left shoe 1600m into the 3000m race, but kept pressing on to set a lifetime best of 9:18.52.
In the field, Boston Knighton-Johnson vaulted to a season best 4.11m (13'5") in the pole vault, placing 4th in the event. The Royals' throwers continue to set personal bests. Odera Onwualu (14.64m / 48'0.5"), Wes Nelson (14.35m / 47'1"), and Gabe Irons (13.53m / 44'4.25") all beat their previous bests in the weight throw.
"We're excited to be ramping up for the championship season," says Head Coach Andrew Rock. Bethel will split their squad next week between two meets. Several Royals will compete at the University of Minnesota as the Gophers host the Snowshoe Open on Friday, February 15. The majority of the men's track and field team will compete on Saturday, February 16 at the Tolstrud Classic hosted by St. Olaf College.
