USD track & field team takes home 16 titles at home open

USD track & field team takes home 16 titles at home open The South Dakota men's and women's track and field squad together won 16 events at the HyVee USD Open Thursday, Feb. 8 at the DakotaDome.

The men's team won nine events including Michael Williams (6.60) in the 55-meter dash and Erick Van Laecken (50.33) in the men's 400-meter run.

Other wins included: Ryan Finley, 500-meter run (1:07.54); James Jeffery, 800-meter run (1:53.03); Frank Benewald, one mile run (4:28.17); Jason Probasco, 3000-meter run (8:44.82); Josh Hofer, 55-meter hurdles (7.70); Derek Pelc, high jump (6'6"); and James Druyvestein, pole vault (15').

For the South Dakota women, both Tonya Kneifl and Mandi Muller were double winners. Kneifl won the 55-meter low hurdles (8.43) and high jump, (5'4") while Muller won the shot put (42'10") and weight throw (51'06").

Other South Dakota winners included: Sandy Pelkofer, pole vault (11'); Courtney Trittle, 500-meter run (1:22.46); and Tammy Christensen, 800-meter run (2:15.84).

Sharlene Maxwell of Briar Cliff won three events include the 55-meter dash (7.25), 400-meter run (56.51); and the long jump (19'04.50").