Simpson College’s men’s and women’s track and field teams competed in the American Rivers Conference Indoor Championships Feb. 27 and 28 at Luther College in Decorah. Although both teams took home sixth place at the meet, many individuals were able to gain All-Conference honors.
The women’s team had a strong performance by sophomore Emma Cooper, who broke her previous school record in the 60 meter dash with a new time of 7.70, and took home second place at the meet. She also received eighth place finish in the 200 meter dash.
Cooper said breaking the records have been special moments to share with her coaches, teammates and family.
“I owe it all to God for blessing me with these great opportunities through track to stay disciplined in my faith and sport, along with my coaches, teammates, and family for always believing in me as I work towards my goals,” Cooper said. “I have seen tremendous growth in my times this indoor season.”
Senior Ava Carder was another athlete with a strong performance and put up the sixth best time in school history of 2:19 in the 800 meter. Carder placed ninth overall.
Sophomore Chloe Weirson jumped a 1.53 in the high jump and took home sixth overall, and has the ninth best time in school history. Finally, sophomore Emma Lueck jumped the fourth longest jump in school history where she jumped a 5.38.
On the men’s side, multiple top times in school history were acquired, however, the team was led by the 4000 meter distance medley relay team of first-year Collin Kessler, senior Ben Gilbert-Binder and sophomores Ryan North and James Johnson. The relay team took home first place with a time of 10:14 and acquired the fourth best time in school history.
Alongside the distance medley team, sophomore Jeret Petersen took home second place overall in the Heptathlon with 4763 points and the third best score in school history. Petersen’s performance was enough to give him All-Conference honors at the meet as well.
Petersen has been working hard all season and was pleased with his results.
“I have been working hard all year so seeing some success at the final meet was relieving, I think that if I continue to work at every event I will only continue to improve as well,” he said.
Along with his relay, Johnson took home fifth place in the 3000 meter and the school’s second best time of 8:21:03.
Sophomore Adonis McKenzie also took home fourth in the 400 meter with a time of 50.01.
Another notable relay was the men’s 4×800 team of sophomores Ethan Haus, Owen Diediker, North and Kessler. They placed third and ran the second best time in school history.
Both teams have one more meet on March 7, where they will compete at Wartburg College in hopes of qualifying for the NCAA National Indoor Championships.
