RESULTS | St. Olaf, U of M

NORTHFIELD, Minn. - The Bethel Royals opened their 2025 campaign with a bang, led by Landen Liu's historic win in the 60m dash at the University of Minnesota. Liu raced his way to victory by running the 2nd fastest 60m dash in Division III history of 6.67 seconds, beating a field that included world champion and Olympian Brandon Carnes and Division I All-American Chalres Godfred. 

Jacob Parent also placed well at the University of Minnesota. Parent took 2nd place in the 400m dash, running 48.90, ranking him 9th in Division III.

The majority of the Royals competed at St. Olaf on Friday evening and Saturday, winning 4 events. 

Godsword Simon won the 60m dash in a personal best time of 7.00 seconds. 

Victor Lelinga and Grant Nelson went 1-2 in the 600m run. Lelinga kicked past Nelson in the final 50m to win in a MIAC leading time of 1:21.91 to Nelson's 1:22.04.

Nelson got revenge on his teammate as his 4x400m relay team including Will Sportel, Josh Thomsen, and Luc Swanson beat the other Bethel team by a mere 0.03 seconds, running 3:24.52, which ranks 22nd in Division III.

David Myres won a very close 60H in a time of 8.23 seconds ranking him 21st in Division III. Josh Thomsen was 3rd with a time of 8.26 seconds, ranking him 26th in Division III.

The Royal's throwers showed off their strength this weekend. Freshman Timmy Ball took 2nd place in the shot put with a toss of 15.35m / 50'4.75". AJ Hokanson was 3rd with a toss of 15.24m / 50'0", while Evan Larsen was 4th with 14.90m / 48"10.75". Ball and Hokanson are ranked 33rd and 41st in Division III. Larsen took 3rd in the weight throwing 16.82m / 55'2.75", while Hokanson was 4th with 16.35 / 53'7.75".

Nick Bovitz had two podium finishes in the jumps. Bovitz took 2nd in triple jump with a leap of 12.83m / 42'1.25", and 3rd in long jump with 6.42m / 21'0.75". 

Sam Raitz took 3rd in the 200m dash with a time of 22.63 seconds. 

Next week, the Royals will compete on Saturday, February 1st at the Warren Bowlus Open at UW-Stout.