Crown Competes in Drake Relays
Des Moines, IA - Four members of the Storm Track & Field team competed in the 100th running of the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa on Saturday, April 25. The four participants formed a Sprint Medley Relay Team consisting of 200 meter, 400 meter, and 800 meter legs. They completed the event in 3:39.8 putting them in 14th place, however were later disqualified for an exchange zone violation. The college division was made up of NCAA Division III and NAIA schools. Other divisions include the university and elite (professional). The four members of the relay team included freshman Steven Holladay, sophomore Eric Chavoustie, junior Maquise Dixon, and senior Seth Brickley. Holladay and Chavoustie ran the 200 meter legs of the relay; while Dixon completed the 400 meter and Brickley finished with the 800 meters.
“This was a huge step forward for our track program,” said coach Rick Peterson. “Each of the men ran very well. Though we qualified with the slowest time; we improved by 3 seconds and showed that we can successfully compete with schools five times our size. Drake is one of the oldest and largest meets in the nation. Our involvement gave Crown College exposure on a national level and has made for lasting memories.” Meanwhile, at the Drake Alternative Meet at Gustavus College in St. Peter; three members of the track & field team also set excellent marks. Freshman Shauna Palmer was the first women ever to attempt the 3000 meter Steeplechase finishing the race in 14:20.9 (a new school record). Freshman Erika Stampfl ran the 1500 meter in 5:40.3; barely missing her personal best time. Freshman Sam Ostergaard competed in the Pole Vault clearing 11’1”; also a new school record. The Crown Track and Field team will compete in the UMAC conference meet on Saturday May 2nd in Morris, Minn.
