OSHKOSH, Wis. -- Ben Spaun got off to a great start in the decathlon at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships on Thursday at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. But he pulled a hamstring muscle and struggled through the rest of the first day.
Click here for the official championship website. Elizabeth Mattila (Fr., Ferndale, Wash.) posted a lifetime best of 1:02.37 in the 400 meter hurdles. She finished fourth in her heat, 11th overall, and did not advance to Saturday's championship final in the event. Meanwhile Spaun (Sr., Wenatchee, Wash.), is currently in 16th place (out of 17) in the decathlon with 2,923 points. He began the event with a lifetime PR of 11.56 in the 100 meter dash (6th place), but pulled his right hamstring in the race. Because of the injury he struggled through the rest of the day's four events, however, Spaun still managed to finish 9th in the shot put (37'-11.25"). But none of the four other marks were near his personal bests. Despite the injury, Spaun will continue competing on Friday. Also on Friday Emmanuel Bofa (So., Puyallup, Wash.) and Brandon Howell (Sr., Clarkston, Wash.) will compete in the preliminary heats of the 800 meter run. Cody Stelzer (So., The Dalles, Ore.) will also compete in the high jump. A complete schedule of events, along with results, is posted on the official website. Last season the Whitworth men finished 16th at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships, the highest team finish since the Pirates left the NAIA following the 1997 season. Go to Athletics Home Page >> Track & Field >> Sports Releases >> |
