Schultz, Robinson, Bredy and Foster have quickly become household names in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference track and field results for MSUM.
At the NSIC Indoor Championships held at Myers Fieldhouse in Mankato, Minn., last weekend, these four athletes carried the Dragons.
Heather Schultz recorded a 46’ 11’’ shot put throw which earned her a 2nd place finish at the indoor event and set a new personal best.
“My goals are to go to nationals for shot put,” Schultz said, “to keep improving on my hammer and end my senior year knowing I gave it my all.”
Her throw ranked her No. 12 in the nation.
Laquone Robinson added a school record to his long resume of accomplishments. During the 60-meter hurdle preliminaries, Robinson recorded a time of 7.93, 7th fastest in the nation. Robinson also placed fourth in the long jump recording a 22’10’’ jump this weekend.
Clayton Foster set a new NSIC conference record running a 4:13.23 mile.
“I have dedicated myself to running this year,” Foster said, “…and by putting my complete trust in coach Milner really helps as well. I know I wouldn’t be at my success level without his precise training program.” The senior also claimed 1st place in the 800-meter run with a time of 1:54.24.
Derek Bredy’s performance at the indoor event earned him NSIC Men’s High Performer of the year honors. Recording a 24’ 1 ½’’ score in long jump, Bredy secured a first place finish at the meet, and his jump ranked him No. 9 in the nation. Bredy also finished first in the 60-meter dash with a time of 6.83, notching his 13th NSIC career title. The senior finished second in the 200-meter dash with a time of 21.69 and third in the triple jump, recording a 46’4’’ mark.
“(The seniors) provide really good leadership,” said head coach Keith Barnier, “I’m proud of them for the accomplishments and work ethic.”
Looking ahead, many of the Dragons have qualified for nationals. “We’ve had a lot of national qualifiers … and we’re really excited,” Barnier said, “We’re trying to peak at the right time.”
As the Dragons wrap up their indoor season, they quickly transition into outdoor.
“A lot of hard work is put into a full season, almost more mental stress rather than physical,” Foster said, “To keep your mind strong and well almost every weekend takes its toll.”
The Dragons end their indoor season with those who qualified for nationals in Birmingham, Ala., March 7-9. After that, the teams kick off the outdoor season March 15 in Los Angeles.
“I think we ended the indoor season very well.” Schultz said. “Lots of people have had a personal best at conference and they will keep working hard and improving to do even better for outdoor.”
BY MADALYN LASKE
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