Track and Field prepare for playoffs

Sophomore Kirsten Schmidt, a four-time NAIA All-American, finished eighth in the 1500m and finished fourth in the 5000m at the Pomonoa Pitzer Invitational on April 5.

Courtesy/ Chris Rose

After a final tune-up, the men’s and women’s track teams are gearing up for the GSAC Track and Field Championships.

The most recent outing for the teams was the Fresno Pacific, Westmont and Biola Tri-Meet in Fresno on April 12.

The women made a strong showing, totaling seven first place finishers. Freshman phenomenon Natasha Miller competed in eight events on the day, winning the 100-meter hurdles and high jump and finishing second in the 100-meter and 200-meter dash. Sophomore distance runner Kristin Schmidt took first place in the 1500-meter run and the 3000-meter run.

Freshman Connie Andersen rounded out the first place individual performers, taking home top honors in the 400-meter dash.

The relay tandem of Miller, Andersen, freshman Erika Perez and freshman Kim Arroues also had an impressive outing, finishing first in the 4x100 relay and second in the 4x400 relay.

The women’s team scored a total of 125 points on the day, good enough for a second place finish.

While the scoring system was unfavorable to a short-handed men’s team, they still managed to put through some impressive performances of their own.

Senior distance runner Brian Ball finished first in the 1500-meter run, and the 4x400 relay team finished in second place. Sophomore T.J. Ellis competed in a team-high 10 events on the day.

Each team is looking forward to a successful bout at the GSAC Championships. On the women’s side, Miller is the top seed in the high jump and is the second seed in the triple jump and 400-meter hurdles. Schmidt is a top seed in the 10000-meter run, and Perez is a second seed in the 3000-meter steeplechase.

“We have a lot of good people that can do multiple events,” said Perez. “We will do better than Biola track has done in the past.”

The men look forward to success in the 3000-meter steeplechase as well, with Ball as a two seed and sophomore Kyle McNulty as a three seed.

The GSAC Track and Field Championships will take place this Friday and Saturday at Azusa Pacific.