TRACK & FIELD

Senior Aspen Dirr is wrapping up her final year at Huntington University with a bang. After collecting her first NAIA All-American badge in cross country this fall, the Hudson native picked up two more at the 2019 NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships today at Dakota State University.

Dirr’s first All-American designation came in the mile when she clocked in at 4:56.9 for fifth place. She is the first Forester in program history to run a sub-five-minute mile. Two hours later she claimed her second honor by finishing third in the 1,000 meters in 2:55.65. On Friday in the semis of the 1K, she posted a new PR of 2:54.39 to win her heat and land the second seed in today’s final.

On day one of nationals, the distance medley relay team shaved two seconds off their best time to finish in 12:26.78 which landed them ninth, a spot ahead of their seeding. Members of the relay team included Saige Norris (1200m), Jessica Chojnacki (400m), Molly Mitchell (800m) and Dirr (1600m).

Adrien Gentie toed the line for the mile on Friday. The sophomore from Cours, France, outran his 14th-seed by claiming 12th in 4:23.3.

Wayland Baptist claimed their second straight women’s national championship while Indiana Tech won the men’s title. It’s the fifth time in the last six years the Warrior men have claimed the crown.

The Foresters now turn their focus to the outdoor portion of their season which will kick off at the Centre Invitational on March 30.