Bethel track team is running to nationals

This is the first time in Bethel College history that both the Men and Women’s track teams have simultaneously won the 2015 NCCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships. In addition, 12 women and 10 men have qualified to compete at the NAIA Indoor Track and Field National Championships held March 5-7, 2015 at the Spire Institute in Geneva, Ohio. In the distance medley relay (DMR) sophomores Joel Hartman, Jordan Annis, and Andres Herbert, and freshman Jeremey Mann qualified for the NAIA championships with a time of 8:00:30. They will run at the NAIA national championships with sophomore Connor Sowders as the alternate. Two other members of the men’s team also qualified in running events at nationals. Sophomore Tommy Grant and senior Ahmed Evans will both be participating in the 60 meter dash. Senior Michael Ponce and freshman David Miller will both compete in weight throw at nationals. Ponce will also compete in shot put. Senior Tanner Foust also qualified as a contender in high jump. The women’s 4x800 relay qualifiers included senior Kyla VanderWeele, sophomores Meagan Fisher and Taylor Gilliam and freshman Allison Hoefle and ran a 9:52:30. VanderWeele is unable to attend the national championship and will be replaced by freshman Michaela Miller. Additionally, Senior Kristen Zeilenga will participate in the 60 meter hurdle event. The final female qualifier for the running event is Senior Avante Newsome-Gunn who will be running the 200 meter dash. Newsome-Gunn will also compete in the long jump field event. Three female athletes qualified to compete in pole vault including juniors Taylor Tepper, Whitney Grace (year unsure) and Jesslyn Zimmerly. Seniors Ariane Bell and Cinnamon Green qualified to compete in shot put. Bell will also participate in the weight throw competition alongside sophomore Melanie Nellis. The team will leave at 9:00 in the morning on Tuesday, March 3, 2015. The 35th annual NAIA Indoor Track and Field National Championships will be held March 5-7, 2015 at the Spire Institute in Geneva, Ohio.