Augustana University Athletics

The Augustana track and field teams had a strong showing Friday at the Howard Wood Relays in Sioux Falls, S.D. 15 Vikings finished in the top 10 of their respective events while Travis Beniak won the men's 3000 meter steeplechase.

 

The steeplechase was the best finish of the day for the Vikings with Beniak running the event in 9:13.78 His time was an NCAA provisional qualifier. Teammate Daniel Black was close behind in third, finishing in 9:27.34.

 

Aduo Omot finished fourth in the 400 meter dash, completing the race in 49.04. He was also sixth in the 800 meter with a time of 1:54.04. Brian Werner was eighth in the event, finishing in 1:54.08.

 

In men's field events, Dylan Buehler was second in the javelin, throwing a best of 52.54, while Kevin Knapp finished eighth in the men's hammer throw with a mark of 45.72 meters.

 

On the women's side, two Vikings earned second-place finishes. Kyle Blakeslee was second in the 3000 meter steeplechase, finishing the race in 10:59.92 and earning an NCAA provisional qualifying time. Miriam Hovda was second in the 3000 meter run with a time of 10:04.42.

 

Also in the women's 3000 meter run, Leah Hansen finished eighth with a time of 10:37.33 while Courtney Rasmussen was 10^th in 10:48.87.

 

Cecilie Udstuen took seventh in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:14.86.

 

In the field events, Rachel Christiansen took third in the javelin with a throw of 34.77 meters while teammate Melissa Jackson was seventh with a launch of 30.64 meters.

 

Noel Bentele placed sixth in the women's hammer throw with a mark of 48.93 meters.

 

Kacia Erickson was eighth in the pole vault with a height of 10 feet.

 

The meet will conclude tomorrow with action beginning at 8 a.m.