FHSU Athletics
TOPEKA, Kan. - Fort Hays State University's track and field teams showcased their prowess at the MIAA Indoor Championships over the weekend, culminating in strong finishes for both the men's and women's squads. The women finished third, their best finish in program history while the men tied their best finish at the MIAA Championships finishing fourth.
Throughout the championship, the Tigers displayed remarkable skill, garnering a pair of MIAA champions, five All-MIAA honors, with three distinctions bestowed upon the men's team and two upon the women's team. The teams attained an impressive 15 national qualifying marks, eight on the men's side and seven on the women's.
Ethan Lang emerged as a standout performer in the men's 600y event, capturing the top position with an impressive time of 1:10.45, solidifying his reputation in the 600y. This is his third conference championship in the 600y, winning the 2021 and 2022 races. Trevor Medina showcased his prowess in the 800m, securing a commendable second-place finish with a time of 1:51.51, contributing valuable points to the team's overall tally. This mark is his third All-MIAA mark as a Tiger.
In the men's 3,000m race, Grant Bailey demonstrated exceptional endurance and determination, clinching an impressive third-place finish with a time of 8:18.91, further bolstering the team's performance. This is Bradley's fourth All-MIAA mark, third indoor. On the women's front, Jaycee Vath showcased her capabilities in the 3,000m event, crossing the finish line in fourth place with a time of 10:05.89, while Regan Hodsden followed closely behind in fifth place with a time of 10:08.35, highlighting the team's talent in distance events.
In relay competitions, both the men's and women's 4x400m teams exhibited seamless teamwork and impressive speed, with the men securing a commendable second-place finish and the women achieving a fifth-place position. Both marks are good enough for a shot at nationals with the men's mark putting the quartet second all-time and the women's mark was the third fastest in program history.
In field events, Annabeth Baalmann delivered an exceptional performance in the women's pole vault, securing a fourth-place finish with a clearance of 12-9.00, while Jacob Clark led the charge for the men, securing fourth place in the pole vault with a height of 16-3.50. Jayme Hagerman leaped to ninth place in the women's triple jump with a mark of 37-3.75, while Abby Rueschoff finished 15th with a jump of 35-9.50. In the men's triple jump, Dean Clark delivered a distance of 44-4.25 for 15th place. In the women's shot put event, Liberty Booker demonstrated her strength with a throw of 41 feet and 8.75 inches, earning her 11th.
The Tiger women placed third with 62 points while the men finished in fourth with 64 points. The ladies team finish is the best in program history at the MIAA Championships, with the men tying their best MIAA Championship performance with a fourth-place finish.
The Tigers will now await the announcement of selections for the 2024 NCAA Division II Indoor Championships, set to be released Tuesday evening. Those selected will travel to Pittsburg, Kan. March 8-9.