TRACK & FIELD

Fifteen Foresters hit the road yesterday for Brookings, S.D. to compete in the 2020 NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships set for March 5-7 at Dakota State University’s Sanford Jackrabbit Athlete Complex.

Huntington has high hopes for their time in the Mount Rushmore State as they claim the fastest time in the NAIA in five of the ten races they’ll be competing in over the course of the three-day event.

On the women’s side, Aspen Dirr is registered to run in three individual races and will likely get in on some of the relay action as well. With two indoor T&F All-American badges under her belt from last year, she will toe the line in the mile as the top seed. She is also slated to run the 1000 and 5000.

Hannah Stoffel will be making her NAIA debut on the big stage as a junior transfer. The Huntington native has claimed the NAIA’s top time in the 600 and 800 and will also look to leave her mark in the mile and the relays this weekend.

Molly Mitchell will be running individually in the mile as will Mara McFarland in the 1K. Rounding out HU’s harriers includes Saige Norris who will line-up for the 3000.

The Foresters top the nation in the distance medley relay as well as the 4×800 meter relay. In addition to the five athletes mentioned above, Jordan Adam, Jessica Chojnacki and Olivia Von Gunten will also run a leg in at least one relay.

On the men’s side, Kent Yoder will be the lone Forester to compete in an individual event. The rookie from Shipshewana is set to run the 5000.

He along with six of his teammates are signed up to compete in the distance medley relay and/or the 4×800 meter relay. Other members of the HU squad making the trip nationals includes Elijah Chesterman, Peyton Depriest, Adrien Gentie, Aaron Hendryx, Josiah Sovine and Haile Stutzman.