OFF TO ST. LOUIS!

Track Sending Largest Contingent in History to NAIA Nationals

The Bethel College Track and Field program has qualified the largest number of athletes in program history to compete at NAIA Outdoor Nationals to be held May 19 – 24 in St. Louis, Missouri. Sixteen men and fourteen women will make up the Bethel College National Championship roster.

The men’s team consists of all three relay teams that have qualified. The 4x100m relay team is made up of Chris Warhop, Brandon Thomas, Trent Chupp, and Nate Phillips, while JW Maierle will serve as the alternate. The 4x400m relay team consists of Phillips, Thomas, Jordan Heim, and Jontae Randolph, with Brad Wilson as the alternate. Finally, the 4x800m relay team is comprised of Scott Robinson, Andy Gray, Vincent Reel, and Ryan Starkel. In addition to these three relay teams, many Pilot individuals will also compete for the men in St. Louis. On the track for the Pilots, Phillips has qualified in the 400m, Warhop hit the mark in both the 100m and the 200m, and Calon Naragon will compete in the marathon. As for the field events, JJ Jackson and Travis LaVine hit the standard in the shot put, Zach Burrington qualified in the pole vault, and Jackson also hit the mark in the hammer.

On the women’s side, the 4x400m relay team of Heather Rathbun, Calyn Zahl, Jessie Spearman, and Beenne Capre will compete at the national meet. Emily Weaver will serve as the 4x400m relay alternate. Amber Wray will be the other Lady Pilot competing on the track as she has qualified in the 5,000m. The women’s squad will be well represented in the field as they have qualified in ten event spots. Amanda Westcott and Nichole Arnold lead the way as they have each hit the mark in two events. Westcott has qualified in both the triple jump and the long jump and Arnold has hit the standard in the shot put and discus. Other long jumpers that have qualified include Kati Beutler and Stephanie Harwood. Rounding out the women’s national roster are pole vaulters Danae Ellison, Ann O’Keefe, Caitlyn Gager, and April Monaweck.