Runners shine in final races before conference

YANKTON, S.D. – Three Mustangs reached NAIA Qualifying Standards at the Mount Marty Last Chance Meet in Yankton Friday night.

Morningside took the top two spots in the 800-meters. Courtney Sporrer ran 2:17.53 to take the top spot, followed by Jolee Mesz in a time of 2:21.21. Sarah Perez added a seventh place finish by running 2:32.97. Sporrer's time reaches the NAIA 'A' Standard when adjusted for the conditions.

Taylor Sporrer and Emily Chicoine ran the NAIA 'B' Standard when adjusted for the track in the 1,000 as well. Taylor Sporrer won the event in 3:02.51 and Chicoine placed second in 3:03.37. Monica Olson placed seventh in 3:23.12 and Jillian Fierro eighth in 3:33.43.

The Mustangs were the only team to have runners in the 5,000-meters with London Rogge running 20:35.75 to beat out teammate Paige Padavich, who ran 21:05.41. Michelle Sanchez added a second place finish in the 600 in a time of 1:40.24. Nicole Zuehl ran 1:56.5 for sixth. Jillian Fierro added a fourth place finish in the mile, running 6:02.4. 

Meredith Draper ran 8.19 in the 60-meters to make the finals and ran 8.2 in the finals to place seventh. Taylor Greene ran 27.79 for ninth in the 200. Gabby Ryan ran 12:44.04 and Ella Stapek 12:47.49 for ninth and tenth in the 3,000.

Shelby Mills made the finals in the weight throw, placing sixth tossing 14.14 meters (46-4.75). Jacee Tindall tossed 10.13 meters (33-3) for seventh in the shot put.

Morningside is set to compete in the GPAC Championships Feb. 16 and 17 in Yankton.