Bethany Buell

Vermillion, S.D. – Freshman Bethany Buell set a University of South Dakota record by clearing 12-11 1/2 to win the women’s pole vault at the Holiday Inn Invitational on Saturday in Lincoln, Neb.

Buell (St. Louis, Mo.) passed on the first two heights before making 11-3 3/4 on the first attempt. She took all three attempts on the next two heights, but cleared 12-7 1/2 and 12-11 1/2 on the first try at both heights before fouling out. Her mark tops the previous school record of 12-7 set by Sandy Pelkofer in 2005. Freshman Jessica Christian (Richland, Wash.) finished sixth at 11-9 3/4.

Sophomore Emma Erickson (Gayville, S.D.) followed her title in the 800 meters on Friday with a win in the college division of the 400 meters on Saturday. Her 56.41 placed her third overall, while freshman Alexa Duling (Gregory, S.D.) finished eighth in 59.81. On the men’s side sophomore Bill Lane (Sioux City, Iowa) ran a 50.29 for eighth.

Junior Sarah Wickman (Iowa City, Iowa), freshman Ashley Sveum (Eau Claire, Wisc.), senior Ramsey Fitzsimmons (Yankton, S.D.) and freshman Carol Miller (Mead, Neb.) combined to win the distance medley relay in 12:27.77.

In the 60 meter dash freshman Matt Kerswill (Schofield, Wisc.) and sophomore Jeremy Blount (Tampa, Fla.) finished sixth and eighth in 6.95 and 6.96, respectively, while freshman Michael Burrus (Papillion, Neb.) claimed 10th in 6.98.

Junior Tane Owens (Pierre, S.D.) cleared 14-7 1/4 in the men’s pole vault to finish fifth. For the full results, click on the link above.

The USD track and field teams continue their season by hosting the Graphic Edge Alumni Meet on Jan. 23 in the DakotaDome. High school events begin at 9 a.m. and college kicks off at 10:30 a.m.