The Hannibal-LaGrange University track & field team wrapped up a historic season at the 2011 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships this past weekend in Marion, Indiana, on the campus of Indiana Wesleyan University. A total of six Trojan athletes represented HLG at the meet and came through with some great results.
Andre Townsend - 2011 All-American
Junior hurdler Andre Townsend kicked off the action for the Trojans on Thursday by competing in the preliminary round of the 110 meter hurdles. Andre recorded the second fastest time of the prelims with a school record performance of 14.17 seconds. The following day, Andre earned a place in the finals with a time of 14.37 seconds. Later that afternoon Andre competed in the finals and, despite stumbling badly just before the first hurdle, he recovered enough to post a time of 14.34 seconds, which was good for 6th place and a spot on the awards podium as an All-American. Andre becomes the first multiple All-American in HLG history as he also earned those honors in the 60m hurdles during the indoor season.
Easton Padden - 2011 All-American
On Saturday, freshman Easton Padden competed in the pole vault and also earned a place on the All-American podium. Easton had a career best day, clearing the bar at 4.90 meters (16'0.75") on his second attempt, allowing him to finish 5th overall. Easton's mark also established a new school record which he previously held.
Philiph Tonui crossing the marathon finish line.
Also on Saturday, a pair of Trojans competed in the marathon. Junior Philiph Tonui ran in the top ten of the pack for the entire race and finished in 8th place out of 71 competitors with a time of 2:33:00.30. Philiph's effort in his marathon debut also earned one point for the men's team and helped the trio score a combined 8 points, which ted them for 34th place in the meet (out of 120+ teams in attendance).
Nicole Griesbaum finishing the marathon
Freshman Nicole Griesbaum also made her marathon debut and, despite qualifying late and being limited in her training, came through with a strong effort. Nicole took a conservative approach, getting out slowly but consistently increasing her pace throughout the early stages of the race. Nicole ended up running a very consistent pace throughout the latter half of the race, passing over a dozen competitors over the last 5 miles. Her finishing time of 3:27:19.60 was good for 38th place out of 60 competitors.
Freshman Breanna Newton wrapped up a stellar year by competing in the 1500m run. Due to the poor weather, Thursdays preliminaries were canceled and all of the competitors were advanced to Saturday's finals. Breanna raced to a 13th place finish with a time of 4:46.10. Sophomore Holland McCoy competed in the high jump and, despite several strong attempts, she was unable to clear the opening height of 1.60m.
The 2011 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Nationals Championships completes the season for Hannibal-LaGrange. We would like to thank all of our family, friends, classmates school administrators, and competitors for all of your support this season. It has been a tremendous season, dating back to cross country and we could not have had the success we did without everyone cheering us on and praying for us daily. The returning members of the team can now begin to set their sights on next season, where expectations will be at an all-time high after a season that saw 13 national qualifiers, 3 All-Americans, and a conference championship for the women's outdoor team.
And, for me (Coach Lewkowicz), I would like to thank everyone for making my three years at HLG so amazing. I have met so many great people and the support we have received from faculty, staff, and the community has been wonderful.While the Lord is pulling my family and me in a different direction, I know that I will always maintain a love for this place and this team. To my team, I repeat what I've told you before: you should feel really good about all that you have accomplished this year and how you have represented your university. However, do not be content, but stay hungry and keep the drive to continue to get better. Most of all, keep Christ first in all that you do...it is that aspect of this program that makes us different. It brings a sense of balance to our accomplishments and a sense of perspective to our failures. I am proud of you all and can't wait to see what you all accomplish under the leadership of Coach Jex and Coach Scott. I am, and will always be, proud to call my self part of the HLG family!
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