FHSU Athletics
KEARNEY, Neb. – The Fort Hays State track and field team kicked off the outdoor season in spectacular fashion, setting a pair of school records and earning national rankings at the Central Nebraska Challenge.
Emma Slade wasted no time making history, launching the discus 160-2.00 to break the Fort Hays State school record and claim the top spot in DII currently. Jessica Saunders also made her mark in the discus, placing 9th with a throw of 150-11.00, securing a top-10 national ranking and reinforcing Fort Hays State's strength in the throws.
Annabeth Baalmann made an emphatic outdoor debut, clearing 13-7.50 to take first place and move to second in the nation in the pole vault. Her mark puts her in early contention for a spot in nationals. Brady Deges delivered an NCAA provisional mark as well, soaring 16-6.75 to take the men's pole vault title.
Hayden Albright led the Tigers on the track, winning both the 100m (10.31) and 200m (20.78) with dominant performances. Avrey Albright, also placed in the top five in both events. The 4x100m relay team of Eddie McVay, Kenny Fritsch, Hayden Albright, and Toby Wahlmeier blazed to a 40.23-second finish, earning first place and hitting an NCAA provisional mark.
Liberty Booker and Slade impressed in the hammer throw, finishing fourth and fifth. In javelin, Samuel Molt placed fourth on the men's side with a throw of 171-9.00, while Patrisha Doll finished sixth in the women's competition at 126-7.00.
With the season off to a record-breaking start, the Tigers will look to build on this momentum at the Midwest Classic in Emporia, Kan. next Friday (April 4).