FHSU Athletics
EMPORIA, Kan. - The Fort Hays State track and field teams delivered several standout performances this Friday at the Midwest Classic in Emporia, Kan. The Tigers were highlighted by multiple event wins, personal bests, and a national-level mark from Annabeth Baalmann.
The women's team turned in a dominant showing on the track and in the field, earning five event victories. Reba Mader was a highlight of the meet, sprinting her way to a first-place finish in the 400m with a time of 56.10, a personal best that now ranks third all-time in the FHSU NCAA Division II record book. She also took sixth in the 200m with a time of 25.58.In the mid-distance events, Eden Bathurst captured a title in the 800m with a time of 2:20.26, while Emily Diercks ran to a third-place finish in the 1500m, clocking in at 4:41.53. Emma Weiner earned a 1st-place finish in the 5000m and added a top-10 time in the 1500m as well. Makenzie Premer continued her strong season, winning the 3000m in 11:43.13, while Abbye Hudson and Arely Maldonado followed Weiner in the 5000m with second and fourth place finishes.
In the field, Annabeth Baalmann posted a huge performance in the pole vault, winning with a height of 13-2.50, a provisional mark that adds her name to the national qualifying list. In throws, Liberty Booker launched a new personal best in the hammer throw at 170-06, placing 7th overall and moving to fourth in the DII program record book. Jessica Saunders was able to earn a top-five finish in the discus at 138-01.
On the men's side, Drew Tolar, Toby Wahlmeier, and Hayden Albright packed the podium in the 100m dash, finishing second, third and fourth. Wahlmeier returned to the track for the 200m, grabbing second, just ahead of Nakari Morrical-Palmer in third. In the 400m, Avrey Albright and Morrical-Palmer each earned top-five finishes, while Mayan Paz crossed sixth in the 400m hurdles with a time of 56.91. Christian Darrah had a strong meet as well, finishing third in the 1500m. The Tigers also placed four runners in the top six of the 5000m, led by Carsyn Turpin in third place.
The pole vault crew stole the show, with Josiah Ball and Brady Deges each clearing 15-8.25 to tie the first place mark, showcasing the Tigers' elite talent in the pole vault.
The Tigers will now split their squad between two meets this next week. Some athletes will compete at the Jo Meaker Classic & Multis in Canyon, Texas, while others will head to the K.T. Woodman Classic in Wichita, Kan.