TRACK & FIELD

Eight Foresters represented Huntington University at the 2019 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships where they turned in impressive performances with senior Aspen Dirr headlining Coach Childs’ crew.

Dirr anchored the women’s 4×800 meter relay team that won their heat in the trials to earn a spot in the finals where they finished seventh to earn All-American honors. The squad in addition to Dirr, included Jessica Chojnacki, Mara McFarland and Molly Mitchell, clocked in at 9:19.04. HU was one of three Crossroads League teams to earn All-American badges in this relay.

Dirr, ranked 19th in the 800 meters, easily outran her seeding. After finishing second in her heat in the trials, she claimed her second All-American accolade of the weekend by taking fourth in the finals in 2:13.00. The senior harrier has been tabbed an All-American five times, all of which she’s earned this year.

She posted her first in cross country this fall, added two in the Indoor Track & Field National Championships and rounded it out with two more in the last two days.

The HU men’s 4×800 meter relay team also had a strong showing on the big stage. The foursome of CJ Robertson, Adrien Gentie, Josiah Sovine and Elijah Chesterman entered the weekend ranked 19th but made sure their finish was far from that.

HU turned in a 7:45.64 to just miss a spot in the finals and the right to All-American status. The Foresters finished 9th overall in the nation in the relay.

The top two relay teams and/or individuals in each heat of the trials earn a spot in the finals as do the next two fastest times. Eight teams/individuals make it the finals and automatically earn All-American honors upon completion of the final race.