Lancaster, Pa. – The Lancaster Bible College Men's and Women's Track & Field teams competed in the Diplomat Open hosted at Franklin & Marshall College on Saturday, December 4, 2021. The meet was made up of over 400 athletes, each looking to start the 2021-22 campaign on the right foot. LBC had a successful start to their season, with three athletes qualifying for the NCCAA Indoor Championships. The Chargers also set nine school records at the meet.
Out of the Blocks
In the 60 meter dash, Logan Burkholder finished 18th with a quick time of 7.49 seconds. Following right after Burkholder was Andrew Kidder, who crossed the line in a time of 7.70 seconds, earning him 20th place. Jaden Pinkney came in at 21st with a time of 7.74 seconds. Ethan Wittneben, Brian Coburn, Avery Frye placed 24th, 25th and 26th respectively. Wrapping things up for the Chargers was Zach Clemens, who recorded a time of 8.45 and Dustin Frantz who finished in a time of 8.65. Emma Rohn placed 15th in the 60 meter hurdles finishing in a time of 12.17. In the 60 meter hurdles, Elijah Herb took 5th place qualifying for the NCCAA Indoor Championships, with time of 8.94.
In the women's 200 meter, Hannah Lieb ran a time of 30.06, earning her a new school record. Phoebe Clemens came in 32nd with a time of 30.86. Grace Simpson and Erin Wilsey finished things up for the Chargers with times of 33.20 and 33.37 respectively. On the men's side, Burkholder led the way for the Chargers, coming in at 26th with a time 24.99 seconds. Frye finished next in a time of 25.73, earning him 31st place. Wittneben and Frantz placed 34th and 38th respectively. Nick Songster set a new school record in the 400 meter dash with a time of 56.72 seconds. Wilsey also set a new LBC record in the 400 meter dash posting a time of 1:14.73.
In the women's 800 meters, Chantal Peterson recorded a time of 3:03.60, earning her 18th place. Also finishing in the top 20 for the Chargers was Lydia Talbott, posting a time of 3:26.53. On the men's side in the 800 meters, Adam Horning finished in the top three overall, breaking the school record with a time of 2:08.71. Daniel Lefko placed 13th for the Chargers posting a time of 2:32.56.
Horning paced himself in the one-mile run, recording a time of 5:07.63, earning him 8th place. Also, the Chargers' Daniel Lefko earned a time of 5:34.16 which was good enough for 14th place. In the women's one mile race, Peterson set a new school record of 7:01.48 which was good enough for 12th place.
The final track event saw the team of Logan Burkholder, Adam Horning, Andrew Kidder and Nick Songster set a school record in the men's 4x400 meter relay, posting a time of 3:51. Their efforts earned them 7th overall at the meet.
At the Pits
In the women's high jump, Leah Bergey started her season strong by winning the event, clearing 1.50 meters. Bergey's mark qualifies her for the NCCAA Indoor Championships. Hannah Lieb placed 10th for the Chargers, jumping 1.35 meters. Trey Baughman earned the top spot in the men's high jump clearing 1.85 meters. The mark qualifies Baughman for the NCCAA Indoor Championships. Burkholder placed 8th in the high jump for the Chargers, leaping 1.70 meters. Kyle Gregory tied for 10th jumping 1.65 meters.
In the men's long jump, Elijah Erb finished 18th, jumping 5.59 meters. Gregory finished 21st, flying 5.50 meters. The Chargers' next finisher was Andrew Kidder, who leaped 5.32 meters, placing 22nd. Zach Clemens and Sam Taylor finished 30th and 31st for the Chargers. Phoebe Clemens finished 17th in women's long jump traveling 3.92 meters. Emma Rohn, placed 20th, jumping 3.73 meters. Coming in 21st for the Chargers, was Katie Brokaw who jumped 3.18 meters.
In the women's pole vault, Kara Huber placed 16th, vaulting 2.44 meters setting a new LBC school record in the process. Meanwhile in the men's pole vault, Nathan Vigil placed 8th for the Chargers clearing 3.54 meters. Burkholder also competed in that event, placing 12th by jumping 3.05 meters.
In the Field
In women's shotput, Rachel Cespedes chucked the weight 5.43 meters taking 29th overall. In men's shotput, James Toney led the Chargers by placing 9th with a throw of 11.49 meters and breaking the school record. In addition, Zach Wilson took 17th place, with a mark of 10.07 meters.
Coaching Points
"This was a very competitive meet, with over 400 athletes," said coach Melissa Baughman. "I am super proud of everyone's efforts. They competed with a lot of grit. I am looking forward to seeing how they progress over the season."
Who's Next
The Men's & Women's Track & Field teams will return to action on Friday, December 10, to participate in the Bowtie Invite hosted by Ursinus College.
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