Men’s Track and Field Punch Two Tickets to Nationals at First Meet

The RedTail Men's Track and Field team started their season off strong with two national qualifying performances at their first meet of the season, the Mel Tjeerdsma Classic, in Maryville, MO on Saturday, Jan. 16. 

Koby Brackemeyer led the RedTails with a fifth place finish in the 800 meters. Brackemeyer punched his ticket to nationals with a time of 1:55 and landed #2 all time at Hawkeye. Connor Belken also landed himself a spot at nationals with a third place finish in the 600-yard race. Belken set the school record in the race with his time of 1:11.

"The men's team really came prepared and ready, and it showed with the auto qualifications from Koby and Conner," said head coach Tyler Mulder. 

Blake Osborn and Jacob Jensen had impressive performances in the 400-meter race with times of 50.15 and 52.93 respectively. They also competed in the 200-meter dash where Osborn finished with his time of 22.47 and Jensen followed with a 23.39.

The men's 400-meter relay team of Jensen, Osborn, Brackemeyer, and Belken landed a sixth place finish, barely missing the auto qualifying time for nationals. 

Blake Veenstra held down in the throwing events, breaking the school record in the shot out with a mark of 14.48. 

"Overall it was fun to see the athletes compete and see where they are at and what we need to improve and focus on the next few weeks," said coach Mulder. 

Next, the RedTail men will compete at the Jack Jennett Invite at the UNI Dome on Thursday, Jan. 21.