Central’s Bohlen, Johnson Take Conference Women’s Track and Field Crowns

Central College came away with a pair of titles on day two of the American Rivers Conference women’s track and field championships Friday. Overall, the Dutch stand in third place after eight of 22 events with 49.5 points.

Olivia Bohlen repeated as the heptathlon winner with 4,313 points while Megan Johnson outdueled fellow all-America honoree Caroline McMartin in claiming the 3,000-meter steeplechase in 10:21.93. In Friday’s three heptathlon events, Bohlen was first in the long jump (16 feet, 7.25 inches), first in the javelin in a personal-best 109-6 and third in the 800 meters (2:49.46). Karsyn Lamm was fifth overall with 3,457 points. Johnson was among four Dutch placewinners in the steeplechase. McMartin was second (10:24.84) with Addison Parrott fifth (11:02.98) and Kate Hoogensen eighth (11:50.97). 

Central was third in the 4×800-meter relay, with the unit of Riley Packer, Sara Goodenbouer, Leah Bontrager and Hadyn Miller finishing in 9:30.29. Kira Hooper was sixth in the 10,000 meters (39:31.45). Abigail White was sixth in the high jump at 5-1.25 with Sage Austin eighth at 4-11.5. In preliminary events, Abbi Roerdink was the top qualifier in the 400 meters (56.82 seconds) while Peyton Steffen led the qualifiers in the 800 (2:12.92) with Alivia Roerdink fifth (2:18.1) and Alyssa Mayhew seventh (2:15.4). Bohlen was the fifth qualifier in the 100-meter hurdles (15.12 seconds). Emily McMartin posted a pair of personal-best times, finishing as the No. 3 qualifier in both the 100 meter (12.18 seconds) and the 200 meter dashes (25.02 seconds). Ava Parkins was seventh in the 100 in 12.25 seconds. Abby Gruver was the fifth qualifier in the 400-meter hurdles (1:06.12).

The meet concludes today with field events starting at 10 a.m.

Central’s Smith Soars to Men’s Conference Decathlon Title

Central College’s Gavin Smith put up a career-high 6,673 points and captured the javelin crown at the American Rivers Conference men’s track and field championships Friday. After eight of the 22 events, the Dutch are fourth overall with 50.5 points. 

Smith was among four Dutch placewinners in another dominant showing in the decathlon, a traditional team strength. Gage Huyser was third with 6,441 points while Kale Hobart was fourth with 6,312 points and Jaxon Thompson was sixth with 5,837 points. In Friday’s decathlon events, Smith was fourth in the 110-meter hurdles (15.95 seconds), third in the discus (121 feet, 6 inches), second in the pole vault (13-3.5), first in the javelin (171-11) and fourth in the 1,500 meters (4:52.79). 

The unit of Blake Creed, Adam Sylvia, Jack Brown, and Kaleb Brand took second in a highly-competitive 4×800-meter relay (7:40.33). The Dutch had three placewinners in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Brown was third in 9:10.66 with Caleb Silver fourth (9:21.02) and Randy Jimenez eighth (9:40.94). Gunner Meyer was fourth in the high jump (6-2). Joey Hovinga was seventh in the 10,000 meters (32:21.39). Brand was the third-fastest qualifier in the 400 meters (48.68 seconds) with Jorgenson the No. 3 qualifier in the 800 meters (1:53.35)..

Field events start at 10 am this morning.