Jan. 21, 2001

AMES, Iowa - The University of South Dakota had several outstanding performances at the Iowa State Invite held Friday and Saturday (Jan. 19-20) at Ames, Iowa. The Coyotes captured two individual titles, had a school record broken, recorded several third and fourth place finishes, and overall shined at the meet, which included several Division I schools (Iowa State, Iowa, Northern Iowa, Southern Methodist, among others).

WOMEN'S RESULTS

For the women's squad, Sara Deckert (Doland, S.D) won the 400-meter dash in 55.39 which ranks as the number one time in NCAA Division II this year. Sandy Pelkofer (Rapid City), and Becca Gross (Aberdeen), a transfer from the University of Illinois, vaulted 11'3 to win the pole vault competition. Molly Wedel (Spencer, Iowa) finished fourth in the 3,000 meter run with a school record clocking of 9:55.17. That time shattered USD's school record set by Maggie McRaith's (10:09.11) set in 1984. Jen Feely (Fairmont, Minn.) was third in the 5000-meter run (17:34.01). Tonya Kneifl (Newcastle, Neb.) finished fourth in the high jump (5'7.75), which is the best jump in Division II this year. She also finished ninth in the long jump (17'07). Tammy Christensen (Freeman, S.D.) finished sixth in the 800 meter run in 2:16.95. The women's 4x400-meter relay team was sixth in 3:59.22.

According to USD women's track and field coach Lucky Huber, this may be the first time that USD has won a women's event at the Iowa State Invite. "It is a great way for getting our season started but we have a some work to go before we can contend for the NCC title. Anytime you can compete with top division I programs and do this well then your athletes are doing things right," said Huber.

Other women's results include Patricia Goertz (Cheyenne, Wyo.), 7th, 1,000 meter run (3:04.57); Mandi Muller (Schuyler, Neb.), 7th, weight throw (50'02) and eight, shot put (42'05.25); Leslie Ragland (Howells, Neb.), 10th, weight throw (44'00); Brianne Vette (Spearfish, S.D.), 12th, long jump (17'06), and 24th, 60 meter high hurdles, 9.77; Sarah Menghini (Omaha, Neb.), 12th, 200 meter dash (25.67) and 14th, 60 meter dash (7.91); Sarah Hoffman (Mitchell, S.D.), 13th, 400 meter dash (1:00.43); Aimee Dunlop (Woodbine, Iowa), 20th, one mile run, 5:20.80; Jennie Buller (Utica, S.D.), 21st, 1 mile run, 5:21.47; Diana Scott(Norfolk, Neb.) 23rd, 60 meter high hurdles (9.76); Jeona Walker (Omaha, Neb.), 31st, 200 meters (27.20).

MEN'S RESULTS

Like the women's squad, the men's team had several stellar performances including a third place finish by John Kehoe (Rapid City, S.D) in the 800-meter run (1:52.64). Scott Ellwanger (Omaha, Neb.) finished second (4:12.96) and Jacob Christensen (Hill City, S.D.) finished third (4:15.34) in the one mile run. Chad Rohde (Watertown, S.D) was fourth in the triple jump (47'07) and 9th, long jump (22'07. 25). Paul Brozik (Winner, S.D.) was sixth in the high jump (6'7). The 4x400 meter relay team finished third in 3:14.47. Ronnie McDougle (Pompano Beach, Fla.) was 10th in the 200 meter dash (21.91).

Other men's results included: Chris Slatt (Fairmont, W.V.), 8th, long jump (22'11.25); Eric Tarasewicz (Cottage Grove, Minn.), 9th, pole vault (14'01.25); James Jeffery (Spearfish, S.D.), 9th, 800 meter run (1:53.37); Ryan Finley (Omaha, Neb.), 10th, 400 meter dash, 48.99; 6'7; Josh Hofer (Freeman, S.D.), 13th, 60 meter high hurdles (8.43); Derek Pelc (Woodbine, Iowa), high jump, 14th, Mike Burke (Blue Springs, Mo.), 15th, 1,000 meter run, 2:33.86; Brett Bacan (Remsen, Iowa), 16th, 1,000 meter run, 2:34.32; men's distance medley relay, 14th, 10:39.67; Wayne Reynolds (Omaha, Neb.), 18th, 60 meter high hurdles (8.49), 30th, 60 meter dash (7.19);Derek Van Horne (Avoca, Iowa), 49th, 53.54; Rob Ness (Yankton, S.D.), 70th, 200 meter dash (24.08).

Complete results of the second day of competition can be found by clicking here.