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Spectators flooded into the Klas and arrived to the event to watch mens and womens Track and Field. The mens team had an exceptionally good meet, especially senior, Jake Courrier. All in all the throwers performed exceptionally well but it was Courrier who took the discus title. Courrier added a provisional throw in the discus, taking the event title. This makes him the top thrower in the collegiate ranks. He out threw several D-I athletes who were throwing in the competition. Courrier’s throw was recorded at 156’11’’, a personal best for the senior. He beat his personal best by three feet and his hammer throw of 180-8 is currently third amongst the entire D-III of the NCAA. He accomplished another feat that ranks among his personal best when placed fifth in the shot, 49’ 7’’. For anyone who has been following Courrier all season, his stellar performance shouldn’t surprise you. He has had a big season for the Pipers all year. In February he was honored as the MIAC Field Athlete of the week.

Hamline’s Drew Jones, a junior, racked up a personal best too, when he threw 46’ 11’’ in the shot put. In the hammer, Jones placed third among the collegiate throwers thanks to a toss of 148’9’’. Hamline even had a first-year that was on the mark on Saturday, Colin MacFarlane, a first-year, had one of the best throws ever by a first-year. In the hammer, MacFarlane tossed a 142’1’’ to help him place eighth.

The stellar performances were fruitful for the Hamline men. junior Jake Kruger had a season best jump of 15’3’’ in the pole vault. His performance granted him the honor of being placed atop all collegiate jumpers in rank. Piper Ben Ganske placed sixth in the 100-meter in 11.36. Ganske was fifth in the 200-meter in 23.07. Junior Christopher Yotter ran the 5000-meter in 15:09.35. Hamline mens 4x400 relay finished second with a time of 3:21.81, a very solid time for a great finish.

The javelin throwers dominated the field. Senior Dave Strochkirch led the Hamline javelin crew that placed four of the best nine throwers. Strochkirch threw 162’11’’, Dan Sullivan (160’4’)’, John Thorson (151’10’’) and Chad Hitchcock (142’ 1’’).

For the Piper women, Keidra Anderson was a bright spot on the afternoon at the Klas. With an incredible time of 17:11.10, Anderson hit the provisional standard in the 5000-meter. For the time being, her mark is the third best in the entire nation. Anderson, a senior, was only short eleven seconds of the automatic time.

This was also a day of firsts for the Pipers. Junior Mellissa Francis got her feet wet by making her college debut. She placed second in the steeplechase with a finishing time of 11:56.30. The Piper men weren’t the only ones to impress with the discus. Junior Amanda Jones took second place with a 131-1 throw. She had a personal record of 134-2 in the hammer throw, placing her fourth in the field. Jones barely missed a provisional mark in the discus.

The Oracle will have results from the Lee Krough Invitianal next issue. On Saturday, April 22, Hamline will trek to St. Olaf to compete in the St. Olaf Invitational.