Track and field sets bar high for 2013 season

The Chadron State Track and Field team finished with six provisional qualifiers and set a new school pole vault record at the Air Force Invitational Friday and Saturday.

“Our team competed well against high level competition,” Head Coach Ryan Baily said, “The RMAC is just as strong as the Division I level. We can run with anyone, a mark is a mark and we were not intimidated.”

CSC throwers stole the show at the competition, earning three of the six provisional marks. Charith Kapukotuwa, junior of Chilaw, Sri Lanka, finished seventh tossing 52’ 4” in the Men’s shot put. Teammates Alyssa Norton, junior of Rushville, and Mel Herl, freshman of Eaton, Colo., also earned provisional marks finishing fifth and sixth, respectively.

Coach Baily was more than pleased with their performances.

“We expect big things from Charith, and Mel throws some of the biggest marks I have ever seen a freshman throw which is very exciting,” Baily said.

A major highlight of the weekend was the new school pole vault record from the impressive performance by Kolten Jelden, senior of Eaton, Colo., who cleared 15’ 7” and finished tenth. Leading the way for the runners was Dean Francis, who also captured a provisional, and finished fourth in the Men’s 200 Meter at 22.17. However, Francis was not the only provisional qualifier for the Eagle runners on the day. Phil Rivera, senior of Apple Valley, Cali., took away fourth place in the men’s 400 meter with a time of 50.24 seconds.

“It was tough running with the Division I guys and a great experience. It gives me a lot of confidence being able to keep up and compete with them,” Rivera said.

Both the men’s and women’s 1600 relay teams represented Chadron well. The men finished second, just two-tenths of a second behind the University of Northern Colorado, while the women finished third overall.

Coach Baily believes team dynamics are crucial in the success of his program.

“The way we support each other will indirectly affect each other, Baily said, “Athletes who treat it as a team sport improve. You have to be very independent and self-motivated in track and field to be successful.”

The team dynamics and support is a definite positive for the Eagles as they prepare to host the Chadron State Alumni Invitational Friday, February 1.

“This weekend is the big deal and we want as many people as we can get here on Friday,” Baily said, “We want to take advantage of our track and the new conversion system. We are hoping to run fast, jump big, and throw far.”