FHSU Athletics
HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State track and field teams picked up 11 event victories, while recording five national qualifying marks at the 2024 FHSU Alex Francis Classic Wednesday afternoon at the FHSU Track & Field Facility. The men picked up three provisional marks, while the women finished with two.
Toby Wahlmeier's swift 200m sprint of 21.20 seconds earned him a podium finish and improved his provisional mark. Wahlmeier has DII provisional marks in the 100m and 200m sprints. Ethan Lang placed second in the 400m in a time of 49.29 seconds. On the women's side, Maggie Remsberg and Taylor Savolt came within half a second of a provisional mark in the women's 100m hurdles. Remsberg finished second with a personal best of 14.52 seconds and Savolt finished in 14.66 for a third-place finish. Tori Poe finished second in the women's 100m in a personal best time of 12.01 seconds. Kinsley Brown had a top-three finish in the 200m in a time of 24.69 seconds and placed second in the 400m in a time of 57.89 seconds.
Among standout moments on the track were the 800m races, where Faith Little's speed propelled her to victory in 2:19.25, while Lucorien DeBoest commanded the men's 800m, crossing the line in an impressive 1:54.97. In the women's 1,500m, Jaycee Vath stamina led the field with a time of 4:45.49, while Ethan Fisher secured a win in the men's 1,500m, clocking in at an astonishing 3:57.69. Noah Morenz topped the 3,000m steeplechase in a time of 9:41.24. Carsyn Turpin earned a victory in the men's 5,000m, winning the event with a time of 15:50.04.
In the men's field events, Dayton Williams soared to victory in the high jump, clearing an impressive height of 6-9.75, securing not only the top spot but also improving his previous provisional mark. Keomonie Archie leapt 24-feet, 2.5-inches in the long jump for victory. Archie's long jump marked his personal best and improved his provisional. Kurtis McCormick placed second in the pole vault with a height of 15-feet, 4.25-inches.
In the women's field events, Liberty Booker showcased her dominance in the throwing events, delivering a sensational performance in the hammer throw with a winning distance of 175-4.0. Booker's outstanding achievement not only secured her the top position, but also a DII provisional mark. She was second in the shot put with a throw of 43-feet, 3.25-inches. After strong showings on the track, Savolt won the women's long jump in a distance of 18-feet, 8-inches.
Annabeth Baalmann demonstrated her ability in the pole vault, securing victory with a commendable height of 12-feet, 7.5 inches. Baalmann's performance earned her first place, as well as another provisional mark for the sophomore standout. Ryhann Brown showcased her skills with a throw of 137-feet, 1-inch, securing a second-place finish and a DII provisional mark. Jessica Saunders placed third in the discus with a throw of 146-feet, 2-inches.
UP NEXT
The team will have ample time to get ready for the MIAA Championships set for next weekend (May 3-5). The team will have one more chance to get provisional marks at the Loper Twilight in Kearney, Neb. before national qualifiers head to Emporia, Kan. for the NCAA Outdoor Championships.